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Who We Are
The Las Vegas Celtic Society concept was born in September, 2003, at a meeting of concerned people with varying ties to the Celtic Community. From that initial meeting forming the core concept, several other meetings were held in which a new organization was formed to produce and host a Highland Games event in Las Vegas in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration of the City of Las Vegas.
The new organization adopted the name “Las Vegas Celtic Society” as this most closely expressed the position of the new group that ALL Celts would be welcomed and represented at the Games. It was decided that this new entity would be a non-profit, non-membership organization, led by officer/directors. A slight reorganization was held to resolve a conflict and the new officers started the business of producing an event. The current Board is comprised of:
President - Brian Towers
Secretary - Woody Gordon
Treasurer - Tori Bullock
Our first event in 2005 was in conjunction with the City’s Centennial Celebration, the Las Vegas Celtic Society wanted to do something unusual for its first Games. This continues to be the tone for the “Vegas Games”, something bigger, something better, something unusual. A traditional games with some Vegas Style.
We welcome assistance and participation from those with an interest in the Celtic community. We offer a chance to become involved on several levels. We have designed participation to be enjoyable, without the headaches of so few doing so much. We also invite those who prefer to offer moral support. A Highland Games event is something to be experienced, no matter what the level of involvement.
Slàinte
Meet The Board of Directors
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Brian Towers
President
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Brian relocated to Las Vegas valley in 2003. He has been involved with the Las Vegas Celtic Society for 5 years. He was elected to the board of directors 3 years ago. He comes to our board with 30 plus years of experience in events, concerts and festivals. He owns BT Artists & Entertainment, a company that handles the careers of entertainers and worldwide musical artists.
I love this festival and really have enjoyed doing my part to help make it grow every year. I look forward to seeing you out at the Las Vegas Celtic Gathering and Highland Games! |
Woody Gordon
Secretary
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Woody Gordon relocated to Las Vegas in 1997 from the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he taught Middle School English until the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo compelled him to turn his hand to the construction industry. He specialized in new and retrofit electrical and plumbing and eventually he owned and operated an electrical and plumbing repair business. For the last 12 years he’s been with Signature Homes as their Customer Service, QA Manager, and most recently General Superintendent. He is also a state certified residential inspector and is the owner/operator of Bsure Inspection Services.
Woody has been involved in the Scottish community in California and Nevada for nearly 10 years and was recently elected Convener for the House of Gordon, Southwest organization. He also serves as the House of Gordon Regional Director for Nevada.
Woody is married to Lynne Gordon and they have two grown sons. Their younger son, Sean, is currently serving as Convener for the House of Gordon Colorado.
Woody serves as Secretary of the Las Vegas Celtic Society. Being a member of the Executive Board allows him to continue his commitment to his own Scottish heritage and an opportunity to help produce the annual Las Vegas Celtic Gathering & Highland Games. It also affords him the opportunity to share in the planning and development of the Executive Board’s exciting vision for the future of our Highland Games event.
Look for Woody on the main stage at the opening ceremonies. Each year, as the Clan/Society Coordinator for the Games, he gets to perform one of his favorite tasks – the introduction of the Clans & Societies during the opening ceremonies.
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Tori Bullock
Treasurer
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Tori Bullock is a longtime Nevadan of Scottish and Irish ancestry. She is the Treasurer of the Las Vegas Celtic Society and is a graduate of Rancho High School and UNLV. She is the owner/manager of Bullock Appraisal & Consulting and has been a commercial real estate appraiser in Nevada since 1997.
Tori's association with the Highland Games began with the 2005 games where she and her husband, Angus MacEachern (MacDonald of the Isles clan) began volunteering by organizing volunteers and running the admissions gate. That association has lead to intense involvement in the Games for most of her family including children, siblings, nieces and nephews and even her great-nephew.
Joshua MacEachern, her younger son, is a bagpiper who is a busy college student at UNR but makes time to come home to Vegas for the Games weekend to help out. Her older son, Chris Bullock, has also been a volunteer since 2005. Tori looks forward to the gradual expansion of the local games into a signature event for the southwest in the coming years. She urges anyone interested in volunteering to just jump in and be welcomed by all.
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 The mission of the Las Vegas Celtic Society is to support and promote:
- Family - Clan - Community - all things Celtic.
- Celebrating our rich Celtic heritage.
- Insuring the culture and history of our ancestors is passed on to
our children and future generations.
- An appreciation for the diverse traditions and beauty of the birthplace
of our ancestors.
- Keeping alive the spirit of the Highland Games and Celtic Gathering.
- Celebrating life and having fun.
The Las Vegas Celtic Society has undertaken the task of producing a
tradition of Highland Games events in Southern Nevada that have a true
Celtic feeling and embrace the Celtic culture and society. The vision
is to host a Games event that has the extra flair that Las Vegas is known
for and to bring the Celtic culture to the Las Vegas community through
demonstration and education. Beginning with the 2005 Games event, in
conjunction with the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration, the Las Vegas
Celtic Society turned that vision into a reality. We expect this tradition
of outstanding competitions and exciting entertainment will continue
long into the next century.
The goal of the Las Vegas Celtic Society is to establish a Highland
Games event that will continue long into the future in Las Vegas. And,
through this event, promote the Celtic culture to Las Vegas residents
and visitors. To have a legacy of a first-class event that brings dignity
and respect to the Las Vegas Celtic Community.
An undertaking such as this needs your support, ideas, and volunteers
to make it happen. Please contact us if you want to join the fun and
be a part of this exciting endeavor. We appreciate your suggestions and
invite your participation no matter how great or small! |
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