Famed artist Neal Portnoy will unveil his latest collection to raise funds for endangered species…and four big names are joining the effort…
Last summer, VEGAS 411 introduced you to master illustrator Neal Portnoy. The former Boston resident and baseball player has made an indelible impression since relocating to Las Vegas. He and his wife Dorothy own and operate Portnoy Gallery, which has become a de facto gateway to the best things our city can offer.
The Portnoys have accomplished something that politicians, focus groups, and even major events like Formula 1 have been unable to do. They’ve united organizations and people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. Many of their efforts are centered around giving back. For instance, Neal’s huge collection of celebrity caricatures is sold on mugs and ornaments. Proceeds are donated to the individual’s charity of choice.
Sports enthusiasts, music fans, radio listeners, and variety show audiences have fallen in love with the work of Neal Portnoy. The couple’s charitable events highlight entertainers, media figures, and athletes while contributing much-needed funds to worthy causes. You can learn more by heading here.
Neal Portnoy and IMAGINE DRAGONS raise funds for TYLER ROBINSON FOUNDATION
In recent years, Mr. and Mrs. Portnoy have teamed up with Tyler Robinson Foundation, a pediatric cancer charity fronted by Dan Reynolds and IMAGINE DRAGONS. This spring they’re partnering with sponsors, volunteers, and three nationally recognized celebrities for their latest venture – a benefit and artwork unveiling to support SAFE HAVEN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.
Located in Imlay, Nevada, SAFE HAVEN provides rehabilitation and lifelong care for wild animals in need. The non-profit center was created over twenty-three years ago. Originally designed to aid animals displaced by urbanization, the foundation prepared orphaned and injured animals for an eventual return to the wild.
In later years, it became necessary to move the sanctuary to its current location. As our state’s population grows, so does the amount of displaced wildlife. Fortunately, SAFE HAVEN has acquired nearby land and expanded to 320 acres. Now it can provide permanent homes for those unable to be released.
Large and small wildcats, foxes, bears, birds, and even desert tortoises have become residents of SAFE HAVEN. Their stories are varied, ranging from retired circus performers to those removed from dangerous hoarding situations. Some have been rescued from backyards, basements, and filthy barns. You can meet each animal and learn their backgrounds by heading here.
Actual SAFE HAVEN residents
Caring for such a wild variety of animals requires an immense human effort. SAFE HAVEN benefits from the compassion of a large team of volunteers. It also provides internship experience. Interns are provided with onsite housing and a small monthly stipend. Some remain after the program is complete and join the full-time staff.
“Our internship program provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in exotic animal husbandry and further develop skills for animal care careers and those pursuing related fields in animal conservation, animal welfare, and biology.”
The Sanctuary is a 501(c)-3 non-profit corporation and does not receive funding from state or federal agencies. It relies heavily on volunteers, donations, sponsorships, and memberships to continue operating. Through their May 16th event, the Portnoys have devised numerous ways to raise funds and awareness for SAFE HAVEN. Here’s the official announcement:
We are honored to announce an upcoming Art Reception “Where Art Advocates for Survival”
featuring Neal Portnoy’s latest illustration series titled “Endangered Species.” This exceptional
collection shines a light on the beauty and fragility of wildlife facing the threat of extinction, serving as a poignant reminder of our responsibility towards these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
The Art Reception aims not only to showcase Neal’s breathtaking artworks but also to support a cause
close to our hearts—the Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary in Imlay, NV. This sanctuary plays a vital role in
rescuing and rehabilitating endangered and displaced wildlife, providing them a chance to thrive in a
safe and nurturing environment.
To bring this vision to life, we are seeking the support of generous donors who share our
commitment to art and wildlife conservation. Your contribution will directly fund the organization of
the Art Reception, ensuring that a larger portion of the proceeds can be dedicated to the Safe Haven
Wildlife Sanctuary. Here’s how you can help:
• Sponsorship: Consider becoming a sponsor for the event. We have several sponsorship levels,
each with its own benefits, including recognition at the event and in promotional materials.
• Donations: Direct contributions towards the event’s organization are invaluable. Every dollar
raised will enhance the quality of the reception and the donation to the sanctuary.
• Art Purchases: Each piece of art sold during the reception will contribute to the sanctuary.
Consider acquiring a piece of Neal’s “Endangered Species” series for your collection, knowing
your purchase supports a noble cause.
To enhance its significance, the Portnoys have chosen May 16th for their gala. It’s the eve of National Endangered Species Day. Thousands of people participate in Endangered Species Day by celebrating, learning about, and taking action to protect threatened animals.
Dorothy Portnoy displays a tote bag from the Endangered Species Collection
The Endangered Species Collection already made a debut of sorts on the Portnoy Gallery Facebook page. It displays eight pieces of the new series that have been transferred onto tote bags. As you may have guessed, a portion of sales goes to Safe Haven Sanctuary. Click here to order yours.
The Portnoy Gallery displays artwork depicting dozens of entertainment and sports legends. Neal has immortalized the Vegas Golden Knights, Raiders, and LV Aces. There are portraits of entertainment icons like Eric Clapton, Lady Gaga, Drake, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Aretha Franklin, and Elton John.
Four nationally-known celebrities are about to be added to the Portnoy collection of caricatures. Each is being “Portnoyed” for the first time and has been invited to participate in the “Where Art Advocates for Survival” gala.
Ricardo Laguna –
He’s seen it all, done it all, and has the trophies and ribbons to prove it. BMX athlete Ricardo Laguna is a model, spokesperson, sponsor, reality show personality, entrepreneur, humanitarian, real estate investor, and educator. The Baja, California Sur native and Las Vegas resident is a proud role model for the Latino community and an inspiration to its children.
Laguna is as beloved as he is handsome, and is known throughout Las Vegas for his unyielding support of entertainment, sports, and community affairs. You can learn more about him by visiting his official Instagram page. This will be Ricardo Laguna’s first time being drawn by Neal Portnoy.
Jeff Timmons –
Grammy-nominated Jeff Timmons is a founding member of the musical group 98 Degrees. A singer, songwriter, and producer, Jeff is a Las Vegas resident who has recorded with Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey.
Jeff is an avid fitness enthusiast, which took him down a unique career path. He collaborated with wrestler/BIG BROTHER star Jessie Godderz on the single “The Girl Is With Me” and was a celebrity host for CHIPPENDALES. That led to MEN OF THE STRIP, a singing-based male revue that Timmons co-created and emceed.
Timmons joined fellow singers Nick Carter, A.J. McLean, Joey Fatone, Chloe Lattanzi, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Jon Secada in 2016 for DEAD 7. The campy zombie western was produced by The Asylum (Sharknado). Jeff continues to tour with 98 Degrees, which will be releasing the new album FULL CIRCLE this spring.
98 Degrees heads to Hawaii on April 6th for “Restoration of the Heart of Maui“. The fundraising concert is part of an initiative to restore historic Maui churches and assist the fire-devastated island. “The essence of this concert is rooted in the deep reverence for the land, its natural splendor, and its cultural significance to the Hawaiian people.”
CRISS ANGEL –
If there’s ever been a perfect subject for a Neal Portnoy caricature, it’s Criss Angel. His larger-than-life persona, which has garnered a millions-strong fan base, gets plenty of ribbing. As this writer has learned firsthand, Angel takes it in stride.
The black-clad illusionist made “Mindfreak” a household word through his wildly popular television and live performances. Currently headlining at Planet Hollywood Resort Las Vegas (tickets available here), Angel has gone through a personal transformation in recent years. Once a favorite of tabloids, the martial arts enthusiast has settled into the role of “family man”.
Angel has also become an outspoken warrior in the fight against pediatric cancer. His Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)-3 organization, is dedicated to elevating awareness about pediatric cancer and other childhood diseases. Its mission is to generate funds for research, effective treatments, and finding a cure.
Criss is proud that 100% of donations goes directly to this fight. He has personally funded the operation since its inception in 2008. After working with other childhood-related causes, the Foundation became his focus when his son Johnny Crisstopher was diagnosed with leukemia. You can learn more by heading here.
Criss has stated that he is eager to be stylized for the event. He is donating a meet-and-greet package, along with Mindfreak Live tickets. Attendees must attend “Where Art Advocates For Survival” to be eligible to bid.
Clint Carvalho –
Another respected entertainer has committed to attending on May 16th. Clint Carvalho, who gained national attention when competing on America’s Got Talent, will be on hand along with his remarkable birds. We profiled Carvalho in this article for VEGAS 411 in September of 2022.
All four celebrities have agreed to be “Portnoyed” and are invited to attend. They have already signed their original illustrations, which are to be auctioned for Safe Haven at the event. If possible, the stars will be on hand to autograph reproductions of their caricatures. The gala promises to be a memorable evening of art, advocacy, fun, and community spirit. Get advance tickets here.
“Portnoy Gallery and Neal Portnoy invite the community to join us in this meaningful celebration of art and conservation. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of endangered species and the
efforts to preserve them for future generations.” Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by following this link.
For more information, contact Dorothy Portnoy at portnoygallery@gmail.com or call the Gallery at 702-685-2929. Portnoy Gallery is located at 1537 W. Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas 89102
Photos: VEGAS 411, Portnoy Gallery, Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary, Jeff Timmons/Ricardo Laguna/Criss Angel via Facebook/Instagram