Dr. Nilesh “Neil” Gokal is the Chief Medical Officer for Southwest Medical Associates, as well as a family medicine practitioner. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Faculty member for the UNLV School of Medicine and pending affiliation with Roseman University as well. A winner of the Alfred Murdock Teaching Award and the Anthony F. Coppola Clinical Excellence Award, Dr. Gokal has engaged in research projects at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, New Jersey, Glaucoma Institute Beverly Hills in West Hollywood, California, and the Alzheimer Disease Research Center - USC in Los Angeles. Dr. Gokal received a degree in biomedical (biochemical) engineering at the University of Southern California. He attained his medical degree from St. George’s University, in Grenada, West Indies, and completed his residency with Atlantic Health Systems in NJ and a global health track with Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Gokal speaks several languages, including Spanish and Gujarati. In his personal time, he enjoys music, including piano and guitar, traveling, baking, as well as biking, running and swimming avidly competing in local triathlons in Las Vegas.
MESSAGE FROM THE FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS COMMITTEE CHAIR
It is my honor to welcome you to this year’s Down Syndrome Organization Festival of Trees and Lights celebration and to recognize my esteemed colleague, Dr. Neil Gokal. This event reflects our shared commitment to education, community, and the power of inclusion.
We are proud to honor individuals whose dedication inspires us all and strengthens our mission of providing lifelong support for people with disabilities.
Thank you for joining us and for supporting this important work. Together, we continue to build a brighter future for our community.
And now, I invite you to learn why Dr. Gokal is being recognized.
Festival of Trees and Lights Committee Chair, Alycia Bolling
MESSAGE FROM THE DSOSN BOARD CHAIR
PETER WHITTINGHAM
We gather once again for another remarkable year of friendship, shared purpose, and unwavering support at our signature annual gala — the Festival of Trees and Lights. On behalf of the DSOSN Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure to welcome you as we celebrate the 37th anniversary of this cherished tradition.
Two years ago, we began a meaningful tradition: dedicating the Festival of Trees and Lights to honoring a Nevada resident whose life’s work reflects an extraordinary commitment to advocating for, supporting, and uplifting the disability community. Each year, this individual is recognized at the gala and presented with the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Our inaugural honoree was Governor Joe Lombardo, followed by renowned disability rights icon Linda Smith. This year, we are privileged to continue the tradition by recognizing Dr. Nilesh “Neil” Gokal — one of the most admired and respected family physicians in Las Vegas. Beyond his outstanding contributions to medicine, Dr. Gokal has woven compassion, inclusion, and humanity into every aspect of his practice, ensuring that individuals with disabilities feel seen, valued, and supported.
Thank you for joining the DSOSN family in celebrating our friend, advocate, and champion, Dr. Neil Gokal. Your presence tonight — and the generous donations you may make — will strengthen our mission and uplift the work we do every day on behalf of individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilitie s.
With great appreciation,
PETER WHITTINGHAM, DSOSN Chair
Event Emcee
Patranya Bhoolsuwan is the founder and principal of Patranya Media LLC, a Las Vegas–based media consulting firm that helps entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders amplify their voices and tell their stories with impact. A former Emmy award–winning TV journalist with more than 15 years of experience in newsrooms across the country, Patranya brings her deep expertise in on-camera presence, storytelling, and media strategy to every client she serves.
Since launching Patranya Media, she has worked with a wide range of partners, from restaurants and small businesses to public officials, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies, providing media coaching, brand visibility campaigns, and strategic communications support. Her work is guided by a passion for elevating diverse voices and empowering communities through storytelling.
Beyond her business, Patranya is an active community leader. She serves as a mentor and speaker at conferences nationwide, including the Asian American Journalists Association, and is a strong supporter of AANHPI entrepreneurs and local nonprofits in Nevada.
With roots in Thailand and a career built on cross-cultural storytelling, Patranya continues to inspire and equip others to step into the spotlight with confidence, credibility, and authenticity.
We are pleased to welcome back our auctioneers for tonight’s Festival of Trees and Lights Gala - Las Vegas’ own Mr. Christian Kolberg and his son Parker. What you may not know is that Christian is one of the most sought after charity benefit auctioneers in North America. He has been chosen as the auctioneer for events such as the Big Ticket Gala at the Super Bowl, the MusicCares gala for the Grammy’s, and the Miss Universe Pageant. He describes his auctioneering ability as a gift from God. “I can’t explain it any other way,” Christian said. At any charity benefit, what matters most is that folks have a good time supporting a cause they feel strongly and passionate about, he said.”
Parker (the taller one of the two) is a recent biology graduate of UNR. He is also a graduate of the Western School of Auctioneering. Parker is also quite the vocalist having performed in Nashville, Iceland and of course, in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
You can reach Christian and / or Parker at kolbergauctions@yahoo.com (mailto:kolbergauctions@yahoo.com) or online at kolbergauctions.com
If you need a couple of guys who can talk very fast , and make you laugh and smile at the same time, these two can help.
Auctioneer
This Evening’s Program
5:30 P.M.
Ballroom Doors Open
Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Silent Auction
Silent Auction of Miscellaneous Items
Open Bar
7:00 P.M..
Official Start of FOTL Gala Event
Silent Auction for Trees and Miscellaneous Items Closes
7:20 P.M. Dinner Is Served
8:00 P.M.
Presentation of Award to Honoree: Dr. Neil Gokal
8:15 P.M.
Live Auction (followed by Fund-a-Need)
8:50 P.M.
Announcement of 2026 Honoree
9:00 P.M.
Awesome Shock Dance Troupe Performance
9:20 P.M.
Formal Program Ends — DJ Takes Over for the After-Event Dance Party!
THE WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS TREE
Silent Auction Event
A MAGICAL ADDITION TO THE FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS GALA
Step into a nostalgic forest of twinkling lights and beautifully adorned Christmas trees — just like the early days of the Festival of Trees and Lights. This year’s Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Silent Auction brings back the excitement of in-person bidding and the joy of the holiday spirit.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EXPERIENCE
• See the trees up close — a view you won’t get with online bidding
• Meet the designers and learn the inspiration behind each creation
• Feel the thrill of live, friendly-competitive write-in bidding
HOW TO BID
• Review the minimum bid and bidding increment amounts
• Write in your bid clearly
• Include your table number on the bidding sheet
• CLICK HERE to donate or pay for an item
• Check back often to make sure you haven’t been outbid
• Winning bidders will be notified by a volunteer during dinner
OPTIONAL GIVING OPPORTUNITY
You may choose to donate your winning tree to a DSOSN family. If you’d like to do so, please let the volunteer know when you’re contacted.
Governor’s Honorary Committee
Governor Joe Lombardo
First Lady Donna Lombardo
Dr. Joseph Adashek
Dr. Tanvir Akbar
Dr. Bassam Al-Owir
Dr. Tony Alamo
Dr. Kathy Benson
Sheryl Best
Shelley Brown
Amber Carter
Dr. Jim Christensen
Dr. Peter Daly and Lulu Daly
Dr. Zubin Damania
Dr. Said Daneshmand
Dr. Muniz Dawood
Dr. Neel Dhudshia
Dr. Mark Dubrava
Dr. Rebecca Edgeworth
Dr. Andy Eisen
Dr. Doug Fife
Dr. Nick Fiore
Dr. Eric Gershman
Dr. Wolfgang Gilliar
Dr. Joe Hardy
Dr. Don Havins
Dr. Dalia Hawwass
Mason Van Howling
Dr. Tom Hunt
Dr. Florence Jameson
Dr. Praveen Jayakumar
Dr. Marc Khan
Dr. Deb Kuhls
Dr. Larry Lehrner
Nancy Livesay
Dr. Mac Machan
Dr. Sukant Maitra
Dr. Zoltan Mari
Joseph Miller
Sergio Montegrande
Dr. David Morris
Dr. Aury Nagy
Dr. Chandra Narala
Jacqueline Nguyen
Dr. Nutan Parikh
Dr. Clevis Parker
Dr. Basker Periyasami
Dr. Helga Pizio
Dr. Dave Reddy
Dr. Jerry Reeves
Carlos Reines
Dr. John Rhodes
Dr. Jeff Roth
Dr. Amandeep Sidhu
Dr. Rajat Sood
Dr. Lo Fu Tan
Dr. Kelly Thiebert
Diego Trujillo
Dr. Rafael Valencia
Dr. Sandhya Wahi
Brooke Wong
Dr. Lambert Wu
Marshall Young
Kamran Zand
About the DSOSN’s
A brief history of the Festival of Trees and Lights, commonly referred to as the “FOTL” gala event:
This long-standing and unique celebration, which has become a Las Vegas Christmas-holiday tradition, was started by the DSOSN founding members in 1998. Over the years, the popularity of the event grew into one of the most elegant Christmas gala events of the holiday season, and this year, we are celebrating the 36th anniversary of this prestigious event.
From its inception, the FOTL has remained the largest fundraising event for the organization, and this year is no different. Indeed, with your support this evening, we hope to make this a night to remember; not only for all the fun we will have (the dinner, wine, dance, entertainment, and bidding for your favorite trees and other auction items), but also for the funds we hope to raise on this night of “Generous Giving” to support and sustain DSOSN programs and services.
This year’s celebration is made even more special because it is dedicated to the honor of one of our founding members, Linda Smith, one of the most respected voices of advocacy for the Down syndrome community in Nevada, and across the country.
About Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada
Founded in 1987, Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) is a 501(c)(3) organization with a service population made up of individuals with unique abilities, most of whom are diagnosed with Down syndrome and other intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization offers an array of impactful programs and recreational activities, all at no cost to its members. Aimed at meeting the critical needs of their service population, DSOSN also fosters a constructive perception of persons diagnosed with Down syndrome (and other IDD) by focusing on maximizing their potentials, through self-awareness, self-advocacy, inclusion, and job-readiness preparation and training for independent living and employment opportunities.
Visit dsosn.org for more information.
Our Mission
To enlighten the public by promoting a positive understanding of Down syndrome in the community and be a source of support, information, and education for families and individuals with Down syndrome.
On behalf of our entire team, we proudly congratulate Dr. Nilesh ‘Neil’ Gokal for his exceptional leadership in disability rights—your vision and dedication continue to inspire meaningful change in our community.
The GENE HAAS FOUNDATION
commends DSOSN for nearly 40 years of transforming lives through empowerment, advocacy, and compassion.
It is my honor to celebrate Dr. Gokal, whose unwavering commitment to inclusion, compassionate care, and advocacy has uplifted countless families and strengthened the fabric of our community.
RAMESH GOKAL
With deep respect, I congratulate Dr. Gokal on this well-deserved recognition; your innovative leadership and tireless devotion to improving lives truly set a standard of excellence.
RAJIV GOKAL
We proudly join the community in celebrating Dr. Gokal, a compassionate leader whose advocacy, medical expertise, and commitment to inclusion make a lasting impact on the lives of so many.
It is my privilege to honor you, Dr. Gokal, for your outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing disability rights and enriching our community.
JAY PATEL
I join the community in celebrating you, Dr. Gokal, for your compassionate leadership and the lasting impact you make through your advocacy and expertise.
CHIRAG ODHAV
The Las Vegas Police Protective Association is thrilled to recognize Dr. Gokal for his extraordinary contributions to disability rights — his leadership, service, and passion reflect the very best of what it means to serve.
Together with the community,
LAURIE TRAVIS AND LJT EVENTS
salute Dr. Gokal for his extraordinary contributions to disability rights and for inspiring us all with his vision and service.
Live Auction
THE LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT SWAT EXPERIENCE
• Start your day with meeting the SWAT Team at their hanger and tour the facility where all their tactical weapons are stored
• Ride across town in an armored vehicle to the SWAT range and observe a Sniper Team weapons’ platform demonstration
• Shoot each of the SWAT weapons under direction and control of a SWAT Officer
• Watch a live breaching demonstration and observe how SWAT Officers use explosive charges to gain entry into a building
• Learn about low lethal weapons, then shoot a variety of low- lethal and other lethal weapons, and finally,
• At the FBI House, learn how SWAT Officers conduct tactical entries, then observe a live demonstration of SWAT Officers searching and clearing the house
This will be a priceless, once in a lifetime experience for the lucky winner
Featured Silent Auction Items
Featured Silent Auction Items
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DSOSN PROGRAMS
MUSIC THERAPY (AGES 0-6)
Music Therapy is designed for children of the age of 0-6 years old, who are diagnosed with Down syndrome or other intellectual developmental disabilities. The class is facilitated by a licensed professional, and the activities include the playing of various musical instruments, age-appropriate games, and other emotionally stimulating activities to help children to learn developmental skills in a naturalistic environment.
COMPUTER LAB
This program is designed to introduce DSOSN members to the digital space in the wide world of the internet, and how to access and utilize informational, educational, and entertainment resources like everyone else. Some of the learning activities include understanding key-functions on laptop computers; introduction to Microsoft Suite (MS Word and PowerPoint); internet browsing; shopping online; sending email (and how to attach documents); accessing and playing recreational games, and social media protocols, etc. The classes are facilitated by two instructors, assisted by volunteers (usually from high schools). Parents are encouraged to attend so that they can continue the learning process at home/between classes.
PUBLIC-SPEAKING CLASS
This is a 10-week course, designed to develop self-advocacy and public speaking skills; verbal communications; essay writing, and comprehension skills. To develop the “whole person,” additional components are integrated in the class, to include character building blocks, and tools to develop personal values. To encourage an environment of “learning and laughter,” the class involves a lot of role-playing activities, and it culminates with each student making a verbal presentation of their essay before parents/friends. Each class is facilitated by two instructors, with who have formal training or experience in the following areas: Teaching Writing and Comprehension, Public Speaking, or Leadership Training. The facilitators will be assisted by up to six volunteers, who will provide one-on-one in-class support for each student and act as their “Inclusion Coaches.”
READING CLINIC
To address the critical needs of a growing number of our members (from grade school level to grown adults), DSOSN has created the Reading Clinic program to enhance and/or improve their reading and comprehension skills. As part of our overall “Access to Technology” initiative, the program facilitators (staff member or volunteer) utilize existing online services platforms, such as the “Reading Eggs” application, to provide hourly/weekly reading lessons to the participating members. Scheduling for each Reading Clinic session is based upon mutual agreement and/ or availability of the facilitator and the individual participa ting member.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
To ensure that our members have ongoing and continued access to the digital space of the internet, DSOSN has secured 15 iPads and 13 laptop computers, which are made available to members upon request/ completion of the application process. The iPads and laptop computers are uploaded with a variety of assistive technology programs and applications that are designed to address a wide area of developmental needs of persons diagnosed with Down syndrome and other IDD. Some of the areas addressed will be speech development; verbal communication/pronunciation; comprehension and retention; reading skills (including people diagnosed with dyslexia); basic math/calculations; and other specific needs, based upon diagnosis.
PERFORMING ARTS
The Performing Arts Program allows DSOSN members to maximize and showcase their artistic skills and abilities, under the guidance and direction of trained professionals. In a structured setting with coordinated training and scheduled rehearsals every Wednesday, participants are continuously preparing for two major presentations each year: a stage production (the adaptation of a stage play) in June, and a variety show (singing, skits, dancing, etc.) in the Christmas season. In addition to improving their confidence to perform in front of an audience, the Performing Arts Program creates an environment where participants learn how to work together as part of a team, while developing their verbal communications skills.
DANCE PROGRAM
Like the Performing Arts program, the DSOSN Dance Program was developed to create an environment where our members can enhance their dancing skills, beyond their self-taught dance routines.This Program provides a structured environment for members to receive coaching, guidance, and instructions from trained professional dancers. As a result of this program, the DSOSN Dance Troupe was created, which allows them to be trained as a unit, and to represent the DSOSN as a group, at various dance and performance events. DSOSN has subsidized the cost for all members of the Dance Troupe to receive professional dance instructions from qualified professionals.
COOL-21
The Cool-21 program is held monthly and is designed to provide age-appropriate social activities and events for members who are 21 years and older. The program includes a wide variety of social activities, some in-house (cooking, bingo, dances, yoga, etc.), or field trips to different places of interest to members (movies, parks, karaoke, etc.).
While parents are invited to attend, this is not mandatory, and they can drop-off/pick-up their loved ones as needed. All activities are managed by DSOSN staff members or adult volunteers.
ART-PAINTING CLASS
The Art-Painting Class is facilitated by a professional artist and is modeled after Pinot’s Palette: Prior to the class, the instructor creates a painting of an object or a scene, and then guides the participants in a step-by-step process how to replicate the instructor’s painting on their own 16X20 canvas. At the end of the class, the participants take home their masterpieces. This is one of our most popular recreational classes and is held the first and third Wednesdays of each month and is limited to 20 per class.
SPORTS AND ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
In addition to sponsoring DSOSN members to participate in different sports programs provided by our collaborating partners (Special Olympics and Miracle League), we have expanded our sports activities to include the following: Tennis; Bowling; Golf, In-Door Soccer, Basketball, and Swimming. The DSOSN Sports and Athletics Program is placed under the management of our Board Member, Mark Lenoir, who played for Utah University and other professional basketball teams.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION, TRAINING, AND JOB-PLACEMENT
This is a developing person-centered structured program, where DSOSN members will be trained for employment opportunities, suited to their abilities. Working with State agencies and private industries, designated DSOSN staff members (and volunteers) will be trained as job coaches to coordinate the pairing of our members with partnering companies and provide the necessary training for them to work as interns and/or hired at apprentice/entry-level positions in these companies. Unlike other organizations that place their primary focus on the practical/vocational skills that are required in the service industry, the DSOSN’s Job Preparation Program will also focus on developing the “soft skills” (Adaptability, Communication, Problem Solving, and Teamwork) of our members. The program will also include ongoing support from our job coaches to enhance development and growth on the job, and to advocate for the interest and welfare of our members in the workplace.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
As part of our efforts to maximize the full potential and “develop the whole person” of our members, DSOSN has created a Scholarship Program to raise funds to sponsor and/or supplement the cost of members who have the interest and ability to pursue their academic goals (and other personal development) on a college campus. The scholarship fund will sponsor qualified members to attend programs that are provided by academic institutions, such as the UNLV Project Focus, and other similar programs provided by the Nevada State University and community college systems. To date, through the efforts of DSOSN, three of our members have graduated with a Certificate of Achievement from UNLV Project Focus program.
NIKKI
BILLY
YAHIR
CATHLEEN
CHRIS
ALIAH
MARIO
JAYANA
EDWIN
LUIS
TITO
ERIN
MATT
RAINA
SEMARIO
ANGELINA
HUNTER
NINA
LINA
AMY
RAINA
SOPHIA
GIANA
MEADOW
dsosn.org
ROBERT
JAYDEN
MIRANDA
ALANA
SAMAYA
SANDRA
RAYONA
JOSE
RIANNE
THANK YOU TO OUR FOTL EVENT COMMITTEE
Keysanna Berry
Alycia Bolling
Joelle Lucero
Mickenzie Wilson
THANK YOU TO OUR TIRELESS VOLUNTEERS
Joi Adams
Makayla Barnett
Adriana Bon
Michelle Burn
Bernadette Duerson
Ruby Escobedo
Shakalee Exantus
Veronica Fiscus
Danny Frost
Suzi Frost
Theresa Gardner
Alex Hedge
Jhconda Johnson
Tracey Johnson-Glover
Mary Josephson
Chelsey Jones
Bianka Lawson
Lakeesha Lee
Jennifer Mangubat
Salina Martinez
Wanda Metcalf
Danielle Miller
Melissa Midyett
Martha Moreno
Carmen Panaguiton
Vicki Schmidt
Phil Simmons
Liezl Taligatos
Tanya Torres
Lowryanne Vick
Kimbra Wade
Terri Yates
DOWN SYNDROME ORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Peter Whittingham: Board Chair
Pat Caddick: Vice Chair
Dr. Michelle Johnson: Secretary
GENERAL DIRECTORS
Antoinette Hernandez
Jeremy Anderson
Earnest Afatika
Dr. Vicki Schmidt
Salvatore Moccio
Thank You!
To everyone who joined us for this year’s Festival of Trees and Lights — thank you. Your presence, energy, and kindness made the evening magical.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their generosity, to our in - kind donors for their invaluable contributions, and to our incredible volunteers for their dedication and smiles.
To our DSOSN members and families — you are the heartbeat of this celebration.
