Volunteer Spotlight
Rick Pearn Story
When asked why he has been involved at Shiloh for so many years Rick Pearn replies, “I believe in what Shiloh does”.
Rick explains that he was first introduced to Shiloh through the DTC Optimist Club. At the suggestion of one of his fellow optimist their group delivered two Christmas baskets to Shiloh that year which Rick recalls was the Christmas of 1983. Pearn says at the time he knew nothing about Shiloh and what they did. A few months later Steven Ramirez, CEO of Shiloh came and spoke at the DTC Optimist meeting and Rick said he’s been involved ever since. Rick and his wife Sharon have now been to 23 Christmas Parties at Shiloh since that first meeting.
Rick’s involvement with the DTC Optimist goes back 31 years. Over that period of time he has been president three times; helped start other clubs in the Aurora, Castle Rock, and DU areas, and has been very involved at the District level. The Optimist Clubs motto is “Friend of Youth” and that’s exactly what they’ve been to the boys at Shiloh. With 36 members in their club their main focus has always been on the boys at Sheridan, one of the programs at Shiloh. Rick has been the driving force behind their involvement for all these years.
Rick’s passion and love for these kids along with his belief in what is accomplished at Shiloh apparently rubbed off on his family, as one of his daughters is co-founder of First Place for Youth, a highly successful program in California that helps in the emancipation process of youth from foster care to successful adulthood.
The annual Christmas party at Sheridan has always been a highlight for Rick. Hanging out with the guys in the home, decorating the tree and hearing from each guy what he’s thankful for has always been special. Rick recalls in the good old days if a boy didn’t have a place to go for the holidays they would bring a boy to their home for 3 or 4 days at a time. He says back then it use to be a lot easier to connect with the boys because they were there for a longer time.
Even though the Optimist try to schedule an activity with the boys at Sheridan each month it’s harder to build relationships with the boys because they’re in and out faster than they use to be. This doesn’t discourage them though; they keep on doing what they do best, giving of themselves and being a friend to youth.
Rick is a Broker/owner of Insurance Town and Country where he is involved in all aspects of the insurance industry. Rick’s business with Town and Country along with the DTC Optimist Club has always been a faithful supporter of Shiloh by sponsoring tables at the Annual Fund Raising Banquet.
From the get go Rick has always been very involved in an advisory role with Shiloh. In the past 4 years Rick has been a member of the official Advisory Board. After 24 years of involvement with Shiloh it doesn’t look like Rick will be slowing down any time soon. What ignited in his heart so many years ago is still there and it’s obvious whenever you see him with the kids.
Shiloh House would like to thank Rick and his wife Sherry for their faithfulness and dedication to bringing hope and healing to so many boys.
