BRENDA BUCK - BLAZING THE TRAIL FOR A DRUG FREE COMMUNITY

Brenda Buck rarely gets any down time in October. Actually, she starts
planning several months in advance for the October Red Ribbon Week
usually slated for the last week of October. Her enthusiasm about it
is contagious.

As a special events coordinator with Longview Partners in Prevention,
she spearheads the Red Ribbon Week activities. It is one Week of the
year that requires many months of planning, coming to a grand finale
last week of October through the first week of November. Red Ribbon
Week is chock full of activities ranging from putting up signs all
over town, coordinating with businesses, churches, neighborhood
groups, schools, Red Ribbon Week essay contest to the banquet and
awards ceremony.

This year's Red Ribbon Week celebration started with a fabulous
kick-off at the Mall with very young local aspiring artists and
performers for the opening event. Dancing, singing, acting, balloons
and prize give-away adorned the day.

Mall clients were pleased as their little ones received balloons,
candies and other sweets. Even adults who are young at heart did not
mind taking a balloon or two. And so did boyfriends for their
girlfriends, vice versa. It was just a great Saturday to be in the
Mall to say the least. In spite of her tight schedule, Buck finds time
to express her joy for what she does: She mused: "I enjoy working for
PIP so much. It is a position specially made for me! I truly believe
in this organization and what our role is in the community - to help
create a safe and healthy environment for our youth."

Buck having seen many injustices to children has dedicated her life to
ensuring a healthy environment for youth through her involvement in
the community. She is proud to take her place next to others who share
the same goal. Her commitment has not left her bewildered. Rather, in
her quest to make a difference, she has met several people that share
her dreams. She said, "In the last three years, I have met people that
deeply care, about our part of the world and the environment our youth
is growing up in."

Her supervisor, Holly Fuller said it best, "Coordinating a large
community event such as Red Ribbon Week is no small feat. In fact, it
involves several months of planning to have a successful event. Brenda
does a great job of involving youth, schools, churches, neighborhood
groups and businesses in the celebration of Red Ribbon Week. She
recognizes the importance of this truly being a community awareness
event and celebration of people living a drug-free lifestyle"