Marisa Bilkiss

Auction Committee Chair

Meet Marisa, a vibrant powerhouse who’s been lighting up Las Vegas for the past 20 years! Originally from the sun-kissed shores of Southern California, Marisa found her way to the desert after graduating from Arizona State University, where her fiery spirit took root. She launched her career as a marketing maven and radio personality, captivating audiences with stints at Harrah’s Entertainment, Clear Channel Radio, and CBS Radio.

Following in her parent’s footsteps, Marisa transitioned seamlessly into real estate, where she has built a thriving career as a top-performing Realtor®, leader, and advocate. Beyond mastering the art of the deal, Marisa uses her platform to give back to the community she now proudly calls home. She’s passionately dedicated her time to numerous charitable causes, including The Justin Foundation, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, The Ronald McDonald House, The Positively Kids Foundation, and, most recently, raising awareness and funds for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) with a strong passion for finding a cure—a cause close to her heart as a T1D mom.

When she’s not making an impact professionally or in the community, Marisa immerses herself in the wonders of the Vegas Valley with her two kiddos and her partner-in-crime, Steve. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, live music, or championing youth education, Marisa lives her life with purpose, passion, and a deep love for connection and exploration. For Marisa, helping others isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life.

Ken Henderson

Honoree

Ken Henderson was born and raised in Las Vegas and has his roots firmly planted with his
businesses and his beautiful family, wife Maria and kids, Paige, Audrey, Dylan, Keaton and granddaughter, Riley. He has been deeply involved in supporting many causes in our community such as the Vegas Cares concert which he produced to support those affected in the One October tragedy, Notoriety Gives which he founded to support youths interested in the arts, to most every other notable charity with the support of his team at BESTAgency.

Although Ken has no direct connection to type 1 diabetes, he has supported Breakthrough T1D since he was asked by a close friend, whose daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, to provide his expertise to find ways to help raise more revenue through the Breakthrough T1D Hope Gala. From that moment Ken was all in. The next year he was asked to co-chair the gala and then chair the following. Ken was invited to join the Breakthrough T1D Southern Nevada Board in 2007 and served as president for two years. While president, he lobbied in Washington DC for type 1 diabetes research funding, met with countless medical professionals as well as toured the facilities where the researchers are aggressively working towards breakthroughs. His journey with Breakthrough T1D started over 15 years ago and Ken has seen incredible progress in the fight for a cure. BESTAgency and his team has been honored to produce the Breakthrough T1D Hope Gala ever since.