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"