Lee Ruff,
A Hero In Our Midst

Lee Ruff is a busy man. His work as an Equipment Manager at Q & D Construction in Reno, Nevada, requires his full attention. And he is a devoted family man, racecar enthusiast, and Harley owner. But Lee’s involvement in programs that help children and his community fuel his soul – and give him the opportunity to enrich the lives of children in need. And that is something he always has time for.

Ruff began volunteering as a mentor before Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada was formed, tutoring a young boy in a school-based program. When the child moved, Ruff felt something was missing in his life. “I realized how much I liked working on a one-to-one basis with a child and how important it is to provide a positive attitude for kids to model,” Ruff explains.

Ruff decided to join Big Brothers Big Sisters to fill the gap and found that being a Big Brother has introduced him to children who need his support and guidance. His dedication to serve as a mentor to children has given James, his 16-year-old Little Brother, a caring friend and mentor to rely on in his life.

Ruff and James, have built up a wonderful relationship during their two years together. But, it took awhile. Ruff’s interest in James’ sports activities at school, their trips to the movies, outings to museums, work on race cars, rides on go-carts, and time spent “just hanging around, joking, and talking,” have helped this once quiet, withdrawn boy develop into a self-confident, focused teen.

“Lee is a great man,” James explained. “I really enjoy hanging out and having a good time with him. He is the kind of guy who is always willing to help someone who needs him.”

James has really benefited from Ruff’s many interests. As a volunteer with the Sheriff’s office, Ruff participates in “Shop with the Sheriff,” a yearly shopping spree for 100 needy children. This Christmas, James and Ruff were the official shoppers for a young Hispanic boy who went around the store with them, picking out his gifts. James, who is bilingual, played the role of interpreter.

“James was amazing with this little guy,” Ruff related. “The boys easily talked to each other in Spanish and had a ball looking for presents.” Ruff continued, “James also got to see how difficult life is for some people and how important being a mentor for a younger child can be.”

Ruff’s commitment to Rapport International, a leadership training program for teens and adults, led to James’ attending leadership camp with the help of scholarship money provided by Reno Recharge Challengers, another important cause that Ruff supports.

James has almost all A’s in school and is interested in studying engineering in college. Big Brothers Big Sisters arranged for him to attend the University of Nevada, Reno’s engineering camp last summer. Ruff was very supportive, proudly attending James’ graduation. He also takes pride in the fact that James received another invitation to attend an even more advanced engineering class this summer.

James’ mom, Xochie, who is waiting for a kidney transplant, appreciates Ruff’s interest in James and speaks of him as “patient, soft-spoken, and very humble.” Ruff has taken James to see his mother in the hospital, an act for which she is especially grateful.

Ruff recently lost a grown son in an accident. While still dealing with his grief, he has kept up his relationship with James. In fact, they have gotten closer as James is learning how to provide comfort and be a support for someone who has always been there for him.

Ruff believes that whatever you put into a child will someday be paid forward to another individual. He does his best to make sure that the children whose lives he touches have a chance to realize their dreams. Lee Ruff’s dream is that they will eventually do the same for others.