RENO, Nev. (March 27) -- A local man has been named to receive the national “Heroes In Our Midst” award for giving his time and compassion to help a shy and uncertain Reno teen develop into a self-confident young man.
Lee Ruff, an equipment manager at Q&D Construction and volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, was given a bronze Heroes In Our Midst medallion during a special presentation before coworkers, government officials and well-wishers at a Q & D Construction conference. Additionally, a check for $1,000 will be donated in Ruff’s name to the local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency to support other mentoring matches. During the ceremony, Ruff also received a proclamation from the Governor’s office, declaring today in Ruff’s name.
Joining Ruff on stage was his “Little Brother” James, a 16-year-old high school student, who describes Ruff as ‘a great man.’ “ 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 in need,” said James.
Heroes In Our Midst is a national recognition program of the Greeting Card Association. Each month the program honors everyday community heroes who give of themselves to connect with others and show someone that they care, and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives. Since its launch last year, Heroes In Our Midst has generated thousands of cards for community and personal heroes.
Over the past two years, Ruff and James have developed a strong bond and friendship with one another. Ruff frequently attends James’ high school sports activities and has introduced the teen to his passion of working on racecars.
In addition to serving as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ruff volunteers with Rapport International, a leadership development program for adults and teens. He also serves in the “Search and Rescue” department of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, where when needed, Ruff uses Q&D Construction’s equipment to rescue and search for victims in a flood, fire or winter storm. Ruff said he believes that exposing James to volunteering opportunities has helped the teen develop a strong desire to give back to his community.
“James has been able to see how difficult life is for some people, and how important it is to be a mentor to a young child or teen,” said Ruff. The duo’s friendship could not have come at a better time in their lives. Ruff says he provides a listening ear and support for James, whose mother is awaiting a kidney transplant, while James tries to be there for Ruff, who recently lost his grown son in a tragic accident.
James presented Ruff with a greeting card noting how inseparable the two had become and how much he looks up to Lee as a role model. The teen said he hoped people throughout Reno would send a card to Ruff expressing their appreciation for his being a role model and Big Brother.
Cards should be addressed to:
Lee Ruff
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada
495 Apple St., Suite 104
Reno, NV 89502
“Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties,” said Juliette Bogus, spokesperson for the program. “Greeting cards are also a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special card story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card.”
To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.
