I couldn't go to sleep last night. I was working and listening to the radio when news of this tragic event began to be broadcast. I've been praying for all of the victims and their families since then. For me, and many millions of other people, Las Vegas is one of my happy places. Something this horrific shouldn't happen anywhere, but for it to happen in a place where most people are there just to cut loose and have some fun seems to magnify the pain and heartbreak we all are feeling.

Some of you will remember Al Mancini, a former club member, and now, a well known Las Vegas restaurant and entertainment journalist. He has been helping to coordinate and direct local Las Vegas efforts to assist those who are helping the wounded and other people affected by this tragedy on his Facebook page. This includes listing places for people to donate blood for the victims, and monitoring which places have the shortest lines to donate blood - the people of Las Vegas are really stepping up to help in any way that they can. Early this morning, he began calling for local restaurants and chefs to provide food for emergency workers in every field who have been working at the blood donation centers, hospitals and police stations, working overtime ever since this began. The response has been pretty amazing. He's been sharing wants, needs, and drop-off location info for places like the Las Vegas Convention Center, where people who have been displaced from their hotel rooms at or close to the incident are temporarily being housed. I don't think Al reads this board anymore, but I still want to say, kudos my friend!