LAUGHLIN, Nev. – Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort and Casino celebrated the unveiling of a newly constructed Rotary Wishing Well on the Riverwalk in partnership with Rotary Club of Laughlin and students from Academy of Building Industries (AOBI).
The newest “wishing well,” between Riverside Resort and Aquarius, marks the fifth located on the Laughlin Riverwalk, continuing a long-standing tradition of community giving. Donations made to Riverwalk wishing wells continue to support the Rotary Club of Laughlin’s charitable efforts in the Tri-State region. The newly unveiled well has already contributed to this mission, with $2,523.19 in cash donations collected.
Construction of the wishing well began in September 2025, after Rotary identified the need for an additional well, as well as repairs and rebuilds to existing locations. Students from Academy of Building Industries, also known as AOBI, a high school dedicated to preparing students for careers in the skilled trades, completed all labor for the project as part of their hands-on educational experience. Rotary covered all material costs, while the late Fred Doten developed engineering plans for the project.
The project also carried a meaningful personal connection to the Riverside. During early planning meetings, organizers discovered that AOBI instructor Paula DeShaw had previously been Matt Laughlin’s shop teacher at Laughlin High School.
Throughout construction, project coordinator Ben Willett, Riverside’s Graphics Manager, worked closely with Riverside executives and maintenance teams to ensure the project aligned with the resort’s appearance, placement, and unveiling plans.
“The wishing wells are a unique part of the Riverwalk experience and an important fundraising tool for our community,” said Matt Laughlin, Riverside’s COO. “This partnership with Rotary and AOBI allowed us to not only enhance visitor experience, but also invest in the next generation of skilled trade professionals.”
Pictured in featured photo (L–R): Diana Fuchs, Malibu Diaz, Kory Brown, Ron Laughlin, Brittany Laughlin, Matt Laughlin, Jackie Wallin, Paula DeShaw, Trycen Brant, Giselle Orozco, Gavin Gray, Morgan Puturle, Alonso Knox, Violet Ayala, Nathaniel Rivera, James Knori, McCoy Richardson.
