Red Rock's best Friends honored

Volunteers with 2,000 or more hours praised

They didn't do it for money. They didn't do it for recognition. Since it formed, Friends of Red Rock saw people volunteer oodles of time, doing every thing from picking up litter to answering phones.

The organization used this year, it's 20th anniversary, and its annual awards banquet dinner to express thanks to those who went above and beyond to help. The affair was held Oct. 22. It recognized those who put in 2,000 hours or more of service.

Vicki and Bill Sudduth were among those thanked. They live in the southwest part of the valley on Blue Diamond Road. They have been volunteers with Friends for about the past seven years.

Every Monday, Vicki Sudduth is at the Red Rock visitors station, helping wherever staff needs her. With a background in child development, one of her favorite things to do is handle the children's programs and introduce them to the flora and fauna of the area.

"I tell the children they're entering the Land of Oz," she said. "Not the O-Z kind, the A-W-E-S kind. You should see their faces when they see an animal track for the first time."

Each weekend, Sudduth and her husband go out to Red Rock to pitch in on various duties, anything from painting, moving rocks, destroying illegal fire rings or fixing signs. But they're not alone.

The Sudduths bring a small army with them each weekend, their children. They are foster parents and over the years have been in charge of about 50 youngsters. Seven of them were adopted. The whole troop goes out and each one does his or her part to see the area remains pristine.

The family generally spends two to eight hours on task. Their reward: taking a family hike afterward.

"I like the energies that are out there," Bill Sudduth said. "Some people may not understand that, but if you're open to it, you can feel it."

Asked to estimate how many hours they gave to Friends of Red Rock, both adults said they never thought of it in terms of hours; it was just enjoyment. Pressed for a number, Vicki Sudduth said perhaps 500.

She was way off. Friends tallied their toil at 2,100 hours.

"It's therapeutic for the foster children and they love it," said Willie Stephenitch, Friends community relations director. "They tell the kids, 'If you're good, you get to come out to Red Rock.' "

Summerlin residents Chuck and Pat Williams also were recognized for their volunteer activities. The couple moved to Las Vegas in 1996 and said one of the things that helped them decide where to relocate was the beauty of Red Rock. They hiked the canyon as newcomers, then joined Friends in 1998.

Chuck Williams got involved with the group first, often doing handyman-type tasks.

"I started helping him with different projects, things that he needed an extra hand in order to do," Pat Williams said. "That's when I found out how much fun it is. That's the whole point of doing it, to have fun. Otherwise it's like a job."

As for Chuck Williams, he said they both "jumped in with two feet. It was like quicksand, but in a nice way." He also said there's a real sense of accomplishment to giving back to the community.

Together, the Williams put in 4,000 hours. When she learned the total time, Pat Williams laughed. "You should title this article, 'These People Need a Life.' "

The following are volunteers with Friends who also were recognized: Harley Decker, T.J. Abbington, Jack Ryan, Carol Snyder, Dan and Vera Wray, Grace Sayles, Barb Wolin, Emma Schliepp (who has been volunteering since 1985).

Friends of Red Rock Canyon is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that assists the Bureau of Land Management at Red Rock National Conservation Area. It now has more than 675 members.

Friends can be reached at 255-8743 or visit www.friendsofredrockcanyon.org.


<<--[back]