As I prepared for a keynote speech recently, I was flooded with stories, many of which were ones that I had never shared in public but which all shared a powerful commonality.
The common thread in all of these stories was that we had an angel watching over us as we planned, constructed and opened The Smith Center. It is impossible to explain.
The mere fact that The Smith Center was built at all is a miracle. The project to build the performing arts center in a city where betting odds are understood was a longshot.
It was a series of unplanned events that made it possible. Was it divine intervention? It felt like it at times, I’m not sure.
A potential donor told me, for example, that in a vivid dream, his mother had said to him that he should donate to the center. The next day, he donated a lot. The generosity of donors like these was what helped us make The Smith Center possible.
In another instance I believe angels were on my shoulders to inspire and coach me. When I was giving my late friend Tony Hsieh, who had passed away, a tour of the building under construction in a hard-hat, this happened. I didn’t know that Pretty Woman was his favorite film. But when I told him this, he immediately replied, “You see, in San Francisco where you used to live, people call this box the Pretty Woman box.” I then asked what he thought of the movie, and he shared many details about his favorite scenes. In that moment I felt moved to tell him that I thought he would not be able put his name on the box in San Francisco but that he could in Las Vegas. He said “I’ll accept it” right then and there. Did I intend to mention a Julia Roberts film that day? It wasn’t my intention, but I was compelled to do so.
There are too many stories to share. The number of situations I’ve encountered is almost uncanny!
I’ll share with you my favorite. On March 10, 2012 we were getting ready to open The Smith Center for the first time. We were thrilled. The PBS audience across the country would experience Las Vegas through a whole new lens that evening, with an incredible cast of stars. George Stevens, the incredible TV producer, had put together this night of must-see television, and he asked Don Snyder, Fred Smith, and myself to perform a piece in the middle.
Mary Smith who was at the groundbreaking ceremony, but couldn’t make it to the celebration of the opening, set the scene (so-to-speak).
While Don, Fred, and I walked backstage, preparing for our presentation, John Fogarty performed his greatest hit onstage. As we walked I noticed Fred take a moment to catch up, so I slowed my pace. I asked him if he’s ok. He said “yes”, wiped away a tear, and grabbed my hand, saying, “This song was Mary’s favourite song.” As I listened more closely, I realized that Fogarty had been playing “Proud Mary.” Was it a coincidence? It was a very inspiring moment.
Fred told me right before we went on stage, “This place is amazing, and Mary would be very proud.” Needless-to-say, I was beaming.
Others may say that this is all a coincidence. But I know I am blessed to have met some of the most amazing and proud people, and to be in a place where I can witness such amazing events. In this way, I would like to thank all of the angels that continue to support The Smith Center. You have touched our lives, and continue to inspire all of us.
The article The Smith Center first appeared on Vegas Legal Magazine.