Las Vegas — A lifelong wish to appear on the Broadway stage was granted to Howard Shapiro, an older adult who counts on the supportive services and resources of the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada. Fulfilling Howard’s wish is Wish of a Lifetime from AARP, a charitable affiliate of AARP that grants life-changing wishes to older adults and inspires people to redefine aging in America.
Wish of a Lifetime provided transportation to New York City and Howard’s lodging and meals. Howard made his Broadway debut performing as part of the Shubert Foundation’s Annual High School Theatre Festival in collaboration with the NYC Department of Education. The show happened at the Broadhurst Theater near Times Square at 235 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 this year.
Nicol McNee, The Center’s senior program manager, works on the nomination process with deserving older adults participating in ACT III (Aging Communities Together) program. ACT III offers a safe, fun, inclusive place for adults 50+ to enjoy activities, games, education, and community building.
“Howard inspires us all at The Center,” said McNee. “He is a great example of how the Center works to improve the quality of life for members of the LGBTQ community and provide the needed social and emotional support, especially to older adults who may experience isolation and discrimination,” said McNee.
“Fulfilling Howard’s wish to perform on Broadway in collaboration with The Shubert Foundation brings to life the joy and intergenerational connections that Wish of a Lifetime was founded on,” said Tom Wagenlander, vice president and executive director, Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. “We’re excited to see Howard perform with the students and share his story of overcoming life’s many obstacles and finding purpose and confidence later in life – a story that can inspire us all.”
About Wish of a Lifetime from AARP
Wish of a Lifetime from AARP grants wishes to people 65 and older in recognition of their special accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices. As a charitable affiliate of AARP, Wish of a Lifetime helps people achieve long-held goals while combatting the negative effects of isolation and strengthening social ties and intergenerational connections. Connecting wish recipients with the people and passions that are important to them is central to the organization’s work. To learn more, visit www.wishofalifetime.org or follow @wishofalifetime on social media.
About The LGBTQ+ Community Center of Southern Nevada
For 30 years, The Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQIA+ individuals and those underserved in Nevada. We function as the heart and home of the LGBTQIA+ community by making connections, delivering programs, and providing a safe space for health and wellness, social services, arts and culture, advocacy, and community building. Ongoing Center programs support LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, families, seniors, vets, people with disabilities, those living with HIV, and underserved populations. Additionally, we are proud to offer the Center Advocacy Network, the first nationally accredited program of its kind, focusing on LGBTQIA+ issues for victim advocacy. For more information on how The Center empowers everyone to thrive in Nevada, please visit The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada.
LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada Media Contact:
Pamela Puppel (she/her)
cell: 702-561-9975
