If there was a Mount Rushmore for volunteers, Scott Rice’s face would be chiseled in stone. A Business Systems Analyst with NV Energy, Scott’s workweek is dedicated to developing solutions that improve the efficiency of the utility’s Metering Services and Billing departments. But a big chunk of his free time is dedicated to serving others in his community.
“I’ve been volunteering ever since I was a kid,” Scott recalled. “It was always something I just wanted to do.
“I enlisted in the Navy and traveled the world for 11 years,” he continued. “I got to meet people in developing countries and see how they lived. I saw so many children growing up in the worst conditions. It motivated me to give back my community whenever I could.”
Since then, Scott has donated hundreds of hours to support dozens of community events and charitable causes. He volunteers at his local Irish Club even though he’s officially only one percent Irish. He volunteers as his community’s Easter Bunny. And this confessed “Halloween extremist” even volunteers his home, transforming it into one of Henderson’s most popular haunted houses.
Scott also volunteers with NV Energy. NV Energy, its Foundation and employees contributed more than $5.3 million to support hundreds of nonprofit organizations statewide in 2023. This total is made up of both financial and in-kind donations, including the value of employee volunteer hours and workplace charitable giving.
“NV Energy, its Foundation and employees connect with our community through civic leadership, financial contributions and volunteer service,” said Angel Williams, Director of Community Relations at NV Energy. “Volunteerism is at the heart of what we do and our generous team members like Scott help bring our mission to life throughout Southern Nevada.”
Recently, Scott and his NV Energy co-workers volunteered to pack 10,000 weekend meal bags for Serving Our Kids. SOK’s mission to fight child food insecurity resonates deeply with Scott’s personal commitment to helping children.
“The thought of anyone going hungry, especially a child, is… unthinkable,” he said. “Children need food to develop physically and mentally, and be able to reach their full potential. Adults understand they may have to face hard times, but children shouldn’t have to understand. They shouldn’t have to suffer from hunger.
“Child hunger isn’t just a problem in developing countries,” he added. “It’s a problem right here in our neighborhoods. It’s a problem that may never be solved, but if more people would help, it can get better.
“And it really takes so very little to make a difference,” he said. Just a few dollars means a few more kids can eat this weekend. I can’t afford to donate to every organization that needs help. But I can volunteer my time. That’s how I can help, even in a small way, to make a big difference in somebody’s life.”