Red Rock Rotary looks to lure young professionals into community service

When a new Rotary club forms, the energy level on the part of its members is usually high.

The Red Rock Rotary, which recently established itself on the west side of the Las Vegas Valley, has another factor in its favor. It is made up of young professionals who have plenty of enthusiasm not just for supporting causes monetarily but also for using a hands-on approach.

It established itself almost two years ago and received its charter Sept. 15.

"One thing that Rotary has struggled with is attracting younger professionals, getting people interested in this very traditional organization," said Betsy VanDusen, president. "So they recruited a couple of the more established Rotarians to begin a new generation club. I think the first few meetings there were two of the senior Rotarians and then about four or five of us who didn't really know what we were getting into, but we thought we would check it out. The idea of service and giving back and networking and establishing a community, for me, was really attractive, and I think that's what also drew a lot of other people, too."

The group has about 25 members. They range in age from 24 to 50, and their professions include event planners, public relations people, a banker, someone in insurance, another in dentistry and a couple who work in the nonprofit sector.

It is scheduled to meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at O'Aces Bar & Grill, 9050 W. Post Road. Each meeting has a speaker who often represents area nonprofits. The guest speaker can spark ideas for club activities.

One of Red Rock Rotary's first speakers talked about a fun run for the Girl Scouts. Members participated in the organization's Thin Mint Sprint 5K. They ended up having the largest team there, about 20 Rotarians. In September they helped fill backpacks for children as part of a Three Square food bank effort. Another effort helped out at a Child Focus event. Child Focus organizes activities for siblings separated by the foster care system.

One of the service projects is called Santa Clothes. The next one is scheduled for Nov. 8. The effort sees members matched with a child in need to take shopping, an effort done in partnership with JCPenney. Each child has about $200 to spend on clothing for themselves.

"That's a fun one," VanDusen said. "I've gone and shopped with a child. And it's really eye-opening to see them get so excited about things like slippers, that they've never owned before. It's a great way to give back."

Patrick Sullivan, charter president, said the need for service and fundraising was even more critical with the slowly recovering economy. He said he had so much fun at the Child Focus event, he volunteered for both the morning and afternoon shifts. Another effort he liked was cleaning up a trail at Red Rock Canyon.

"It was good to be out there with our group in the fresh air and do something that's pretty easy and that we all enjoy," he said. "The thing that I've gained most from it is a lot of new friends."

Is doing a good deed more fun as one person or as part of a team?

"It's definitely more fun with a group of people," said Jennifer Weed, member. "You get more interaction, and you get more done. Plus, it builds a sense of community."

Red Rock Rotary members are required to attend at least one meeting a month, plus take part in the monthly service activity. Monthly dues are $25.

"Our vision statement is fairly simple, but it's community, friendship, service," VanDusen said. "And that is really what we're trying to accomplish with the group, trying to build community amongst ourselves and giving back to others. It's people having a good time (and) enjoying ourselves while expanding our horizons. The motto of Rotary is 'service before self.' And hopefully that's what we'll be embodying."

For more information, visit redrockrotarylv.org.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 702-387-2949.