While preparing for a recent keynote speech, a series of stories gushed forward in my mind, most of which I hadn’t really talked about in public, but all of which had something powerful in common.

The distinct common thread of these stories pointed to having an angel on our collective shoulders as we planned, built and opened The Smith Center. There is just no other way to explain it.

Yes, the mere fact that The Smith Center ever happened was a miracle in itself. In a city that understands betting odds, the project to build the city’s performing arts center was nothing short of a long shot.

But there were specific things – wholly unplanned things – that happened that ended up making it all possible. Was it heavenly intervention? I can’t say for sure, but it sure felt like it sometimes. 

For example, a potential donor once told me that his mother came to him in a very vivid dream saying that he should support the center, which he did the next day in a big way. It was through the support of these kinds of generous donors that took us over the line in making The Smith Center a reality.  

In another instance, I truly believe that angels were there on my shoulder to coach and inspire me. It occurred when I was giving our late friend Tony Hsieh a hard hat tour of the building while under construction. I had no idea that his favorite movie was Pretty Woman, but when we were standing in the very first box on the house right side, I spontaneously said to him, “You know in San Francisco, where you moved from, they call this the Pretty Woman box.” He immediately responded by telling me how much he loved the film, sharing numerous details of some of his favorite scenes. In that moment, I was moved to say that I was pretty sure that he wouldn’t be able to put his name on that box in San Francisco, but that in Las Vegas he could. Right then and there he said, “I’ll take it.”  Did I plan to talk about a Julia Roberts movie that day? No, but something made me do it, and I am forever grateful. 

The number of stories like these are way too many to tell. It’s almost uncanny how many situations like these I encountered!

But allow me to share my favorite with you. It was on March 10, 2012, when we were preparing to officially open The Smith Center’s doors for the very first time. It was a thrilling moment for us. A national PBS audience would see Las Vegas in a new light that night with a truly spectacular star-studded cast. And the extraordinary TV producer George Stevens had created this amazing night of just-see TV, with a piece for Don Snyder, Fred Smith and me to deliver in the middle of the show.

To set the stage (so to speak), Mary Smith, who had been there for the groundbreaking, wasn’t able to make it to the opening night celebration. 

As Don, Fred and I were walking backstage to get ready for our presentation, the great John Fogarty was performing his biggest hit onstage. As we walked, I saw Fred pause for a moment, so I slowed down to let him catch up. When he did, I asked if he was ok. He shook his head and said “yes” as he wiped a tear from his eye, then grabbed my arm and said, “This was Mary’s favorite song.”  I tuned in more closely to realize that Fogarty was playing the song “Proud Mary.” Coincidence, or what? Again, I don’t know, but it was certainly an inspiring moment. 

Right before we walked on stage to make our comments, Fred said to me, “This is an amazing place, and I know Mary would be proud.” Needless to say, I beamed. 

Some may insist this was all a coincidence, but I, however, know that I have been blessed to both know some very proud and amazing people and be in the right place to witness some amazing events. Because of this, I want to say thank you to all the angels who continue to support The Smith Center. You’ve touched our lives and you continue to inspire us all.