Penn Jillette Will Once Again Compete on Behalf
of Opportunity Village on NBC’s “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice”
Opportunity Village’s Newest Board Member Committed to Raising Money
for Las Vegas’ Favorite Charity
Opportunity Village’s newest board member, Penn Jillette, will once again play for Las Vegas’ favorite charity on NBC’s “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice,” now in its 13th installment. Airing in March 2013, this will mark the second time Opportunity Village will be the beneficiary of Jillette’s appearance.
“It was an amazing act of generosity by Penn Jillette to have Opportunity Village as his charity of choice when he competed last season. He has really embraced our mission and our clients adore him,” stated Linda Smith, Associate Executive Director of Opportunity Village. “To be a part of the show for the second time is truly wonderful. We are so grateful to Penn Jillette and “The Celebrity Apprentice” for the spotlight they shine on Opportunity Village as well as other deserving charities across the country.”
“Opportunity Village was Elvis’ favorite charity and it sure is one of mine. I was so happy to help them out last season, that when Celebrity Apprentice asked me to come back for the All-Star season, the second yes I said was for my charity to be OV,” said Jillette.
Last season, Jillette was on “The Celebrity Apprentice” and won a task that allowed him to donate $40,000 to Opportunity Village, providing vocational training for hundreds of clients. Additionally, when Jillette was “fired,” Caesars Foundation donated $250,000 to the charity, the amount that Opportunity Village would have been given if Jillette was “hired.”
About Opportunity Village Mission
Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people within our community with significant intellectual disabilities, to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
Opportunity Village was founded in 1954 by seven families who were determined to give their disabled children the best lives possible. 58 years later, Opportunity Village is one of the most recognized and respected Community Habilitation Programs in the United States. Nevada’s largest employer of people with disabilities, Opportunity Village serves nearly 3000 individuals annually, providing vocational training, employment, habilitation and social recreation programs and services that make their lives more independent and productive. Opportunity Village clients – individuals who were previously considered unemployable – work at Opportunity Village’s Employment Resource Centers and in jobs throughout the community, collectively earning wages amounting to more than $7.5 million in 2011. They are hard-working and diligent, proudly paying taxes and happily leading more fulfilling lives. Primarily a self-funded organization, Opportunity Village generates the majority of its operational funding through its employment contracts and fundraising efforts such as the Magical Forest and Great Santa Run, saving Nevada taxpayers over $22 million annually.
