Appropriate honor

The Las Vegas Valley's many great nonprofits reflect the generosity and dedication of the citizens behind them. These Nevadans do not give their time and their talents in pursuit of recognition. Rather, they take leave from their families and businesses to enrich their communities, assist those in need and create a better place to live for all of us. Good works come from good people.

Sometimes, however, special recognition is well-deserved. And tonight, one of the city's greatest charities will honor two outstanding citizens who know first-hand how much a single organization can change and improve lives.

Opportunity Village will induct Mike and Patricia Trent Morrissey into its Order of the Village during the annual Camelot gala at the nonprofit's main campus on Oakey Boulevard. Most residents know Opportunity Village for the Magical Forest holiday attraction, but might be less familiar with its mission of providing job training, employment and social and recreational programs for Southern Nevadans with intellectual disabilities.

Mr. Morrissey, who is president of his own insurance business, and Mrs. Morrissey, an attorney and current president of the Catholic Charities Board of Trustees, have been supporters of Opportunity Village for more than 25 years. They are leading the charity's capital campaign to build a life-learning park on South Buffalo Drive. The expansive park would be the first of its kind in the world, designed to teach life and social skills to children and adults with disabilities.

Because of the work of the Morrisseys, Opportunity Village has raised more than $3 million of the $4 million needed to complete the project. Construction should start next year.

Far from being detached fundraisers, the Morrisseys are also involved with Opportunity Village as parents. Their son, Sean, is an artist in the charity's fine arts studio -- he has sold paintings to buyers across the country -- and a graduate of its Job Discovery program. For the families of children with disabilities, such accomplishments are priceless.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Morrissey on their Order of the Village induction. Their efforts ensure Opportunity Village will continue to provide its clients with independence and richer lives for generations to come.