Nicolas Cage video, USMC Toys for Tots Las Vegas Celebrity Benefit Show Vegas Stars Brighten the Holidays. It was one of the highlights of the sold out Dec. 1, 2012 event held at the 1700 seat LVH Hotel and Casino Theater. This was the 4th and largest Toys for Tots show produced by LJ Harness of Cadillac of Las Vegas. LJ introduced the video by stopping the show to make an on stage cellphone call to a mystery friend, “someone who couldn’t be with us tonight.” While holding out the phone he asked the audience to wish a Merry Christmas, and the response was loud and clear from the packed house. Then this video was shown, and you could hear the roar of the crowd when they discovered it was Nicolas Cage.
The roar and applause came again as Nicolas spoke about children and family, and thanking the Marines not only for their Toys for Tots program, but for our freedom. His thanks to the many Las Vegas entertainers who volunteered to make the show possible and to the caring of the audience to support this cause, just added to the applause at it’s end. His heartwarming thought created many teary- eyes in the room that night.
There is more to this story, as Nic had been working behind the scenes for the event. His involvement added so much to it’s success of raising well over $150,000 of toys plus thousands more in cash for Toys for Tots. His status as a celebrity helped to get the word out prior to the show, and as Las Vegas entertainers became aware of it, they did what they’ve always done and eagerly volunteered their talents.
Nicolas wasn’t planning on doing a video, but attending with his wife Alice and son Kal-El. Unfortunately a conflict arose from his filming schedule for the movie ‘Joe’, being shot in Austin, TX. When this happened, he immediately offered to contribute with the making of this video. In it’s own way it became a unique opportunity for everyone there that night to experience him on a much more personal level. As LJ said when he first saw the video, “That IS so Nicolas, just as he speaks to me with such passion about so many things.”
The official site of Marine Toys For Tots Foundation http://las-vegas-nv.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/Default.aspx
Nick puts on a great show, even when he's not there. I wish I had been in that audience. Many years ago, when I was little, we had very little money, even though my mom worked hard and I remember one day just before Christmas, much to my shock and surprise, Santa Claus came to my door where I met him and he gave me presents. I was about 5 or 6 years old. We got some great stuff. I don't even know who sponsored it, all I know is there are so many children out there that will unfortunatly get very little or nothing for Christmas which is why this Toys for Tots Program is so very important. Nick has the biggest heart in the world and children are very important to him. The program is so easy to participate in. Buy an unwrapped 'safe' toy and donate it. It really makes your heart feel good.
That was very NICe, thank you for posting, Voodoo Child. It is always such a pleasure to see Nic speak form the heart like that, so honest and sincere.
That`s a great vid! It is so wonderful, that he found the time during filming, to make this vid to support such a fantastNIC effort! And, I agree with you, Lula, I`m very proud to be a fan of such a wonderful actor! Thanks for posting it, Voodoo child!
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