PROVO — What do a Liberace impersonator, rated "R" movies and Orrin Hatch have do with each other?

They all took part in the first annual Heritage Club dinner that honored donors and supporters of Provo's Heritage School on Wednesday night.

A touch of irreverence kept guests laughing as speakers gave thanks to contributors and addressed the need for youth treatment centers like Heritage.

"I shouldn't tell you these things in Provo, Utah, but I can't help myself," Senator Orrin Hatch remarked before relating one of two stories that involved swear words.

Humor also marked some of the entertainment, which included performances by Nino Reyos, a Native American flautist and James Oneil Miner, who dressed like Liberace during one of his piano renditions.

The audience even continued to laugh when Hatch suggested that all young people see "Traffic," a 2001 Steven Soderbergh film about drug trafficking in which Hatch made a cameo appearance.

"It deserves an "R," but kids need to see that movie." Hatch said, adding, "Not all "R" movies are bad . . . especially the ones I act in."

The dinner did touch some serious topics, including the traumatic experiences and psychiatric problems that bring youth from all over the country to Heritage.

The school, the only one of its kind in the country, services 150 troubled youth who suffer from a variety of emotional, behavioral, academic and substance abuse issues.

"These kids are beset with every dishonorable thing in the world," Hatch said.

"Today, Heritage Schools have helped save the lives of many children who heretofore had been throw-away children," school director and CEO Jerry Spanos said. "The youth we work with are our heroes."

Using details from his own childhood, Hatch explained how human interaction and support can make a world of difference.

"Everything in my life, I've had to fight for," Hatch explained, "but as tough as my life was, it is nothing compared to what these kids are going through."

Of course, speakers tried to generate donations by highlighting the facility's continuing needs. Provo Mayor Lewis Billings thinks that Heritage Schools is a worthwhile cause.

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"I always say that people should invest in kids," Billings said. "They give the best returns."

Hatch concurs.

"We have troubled kids just like anywhere else."


E-mail: lsanderson@desnews.com

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