Each time you see a replica Welcome to Las Vegas Sign on someone's desk, thank the buyer. A portion of the price went toward cancer research.
Each year, Bogar Enterprises, the creator of the novelty souvenir, makes a donation to the Nevada Cancer Institute, 10441 West Twain Ave., for more than $26,700.
"As a start-up organization, we rely heavily on donations, especially now that we're starting to establish clinical research (projects)," said Clark P. Dumont, vice president of communications and public affairs for the institute. "As we mature, we're looking to grow our community support."
Bob McMonigle, owner of Bogar, chose the recipient for a reason. Two years after leaving his post as executive vice president of sales at International Gaming Technology (IGT) to do consulting, McMonigle, 61, had to battle prostate cancer.
In July 2002, when he had his regular checkup, his blood work indicated his prostate-specific antigen count was up.
The antigen is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. When the prostate gland enlarges, PSA levels in the blood tend to rise. PSA levels can rise due to cancer or benign -- not cancerous -- conditions.
A biopsy was performed and determined he had malignant cancer.
"We tend to think we're bulletproof," he said. "Until this, I was never ill, not a broken bone or anything. I thought, 'How can this be when I feel so good?' "
The Southern Highlands resident could have opted for chemotherapy or site-specific radiation, but he decided surgery was best. Part of that decision took into account that both his parents died of cancer.
In November of that year, McMonigle had his prostate removed. His wife, Joni, was at his side every step of the way.
Almost two years later, McMonigle and his business associates established Bogar Enterprises. Early on, the decision was made to donate a portion of sales to the Cancer Institute.
"I knew Heather Murren (the Cancer Institute's president and chief executive officer) when I was still with IGT," he said. "She approached me about a donation and everything kind of clicked, if you will."
The boxes for the $39.95 Welcome to Las Vegas desktop sign are printed with a band letting buyers know of the support for the Cancer Institute. A card inside further explains the commitment.
The novelty sign was launched in September 2004. For that year, Bogar donated $2,700. The company expects next year's check to the Cancer Institute to be in line with the latest one.
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