City kids getting into nature with ICO volunteers
‘SHE INSPIRED KIDS TO LOVE NATURE’
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‘SHE INSPIRED KIDS TO LOVE NATURE’ *
This is the dedication on a new red-sandstone tile on the Dedication Walkway in the visitor center Picnic Plaza at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area,17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. It is a lasting tribute to the legacy of a remarkable woman who helped establish Las Vegas Inspiring Connections Outdoors in 2012.
The memorial’s recent placement was celebrated on a brisk, windy mid-January morning during a brunch of hot beverages, pastries and fruit. Overlooking RRCA’s breathtaking panorama, two-dozen supportive friends shared their heart-warming memories of Betty. As a reunion of current and past ICO volunteers and agency partners, “Betty’s Brunch” was hosted by the current “small, but mighty core group” of Las Vegas ICO led by Chair Cynthia Regidor.
“Together, we humbly honor Betty and her legacy with supportive friends,” said Regidor, who was mentored by Betty through her final days until her death last July. Betty’s files and advice continues to sustain Las Vegas ICO as it rebuilds and recovers from the pandemic shutdown, which greatly affected the group and the community it serves. Others shared accolades of Betty’s ICO leadership, reflecting a 36-year career in education—procuring partnerships, developing partnerships, coaching of outings leaders, and managing crises on the trail. Negotiating agreements and communicating creatively were also noted as her mastery.
Las Vegas Inspiring Connections Outdoors was fortunate to have Betty enthusiastically lead this organization during her retirement years. By 2019, she finished her third and final consecutive two-year terms as Chair, reporting that 30 outings had been completed, serving 275 participants via 30 partner agencies wit the support of 37 active volunteers. Her dedicated volunteer service in other roles continued until her final days.
Although Betty is no longer with us, her exceptional fund-raising efforts continue to sustain Las Vegas ICO through this challenging post-Covid era, as the treasurer proclaimed. Betty’s infectious love of nature brought joy to local children and young adults. It was only fitting that we concluded “Betty’s Brunch” with a beautiful hike along the nearby Moenkopi Trail, led by local geologist and charter ICO volunteer co-leader, Nick Saines. Stunning views of Red Rock Canyon’s majestic peaks can be seen via this hike. It made perfect sense that Betty’s dedication tile shared the same magical space.
SEE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT BETTY
Elizabeth (Betty) Gallifent
Elizabeth (Betty) Gallifent passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at her home in Las Vegas. Betty was married for 52 years to John Gallifent. He preceded her in death in 2022. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Isabel (Woelfel) Gruber and her brother, John Gruber.
She was born August 12, 1946, and raised on a dairy farm in rural Chilton, WI. As a youth she was an active member of a county 4-H club. She graduated from Chilton High School in 1964 and attended four years of college at UW-Oshkosh earning a degree in education.
Betty moved to Las Vegas in 1968 and worked for the Clark County School District for 36 years as classroom teacher, reading specialist and school principal. She worked predominately in under-resourced communities and made great efforts to bring the outside world into the classroom. In her retirement years she helped establish Las Vegas ICO (Inspiring Connections Outdoors), an outreach program of the Sierra Club, which provided nature outings and wilderness experiences for underserved urban youth. Through these outings, she worked with other volunteers to help youth build a meaningful bond with nature and understand the need to protect it.
She is survived by her siblings Frank (Sue) Gruber, Ann (Kurt) Beyreis, Joe (Jamie VanHoof) Gruber, Rose (Neil) Coisman, Tony (Mary) Gruber, Martha (Dave) Rady, Larry (Elise Teichert) Gruber and numerous nieces and nephews.
Our beloved sister and friend will be remembered as a wonderful combination of adventure, beauty and action. She was an avid hiker, an excellent cook, a worldwide traveler and environmentally conscious. She was a very thoughtful and passionate person who inspired those around her with her courage, wisdom and generosity. She will live on forever in our hearts.
GALLIFENT ENDOWMENT SUPPORTS DRI SCIENCE
In July Betty Gallifent recently established the Elizabeth and John Gallifent Endowment, which will provide unrestricted support for the Desert Research Institute.
“I first learned about DRI by attending the Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival at DRI and am excited to be able to support science that will allow us to live with the greatest quality of life,” said Betty.
“By establishing this endowment at DRI we will honor the Gallifents’ legacy in perpetuity and are forever grateful for Betty’s kindness,” said President Kumud Acharya. “This is a transformational gift.”
DRI is Nevada’s non-profit research institute, founded in 1959 to empower experts to focus on science that matters including the prolonged drought and global warming.
Betty with ICO
Her voice narrating our PSA:
KIKO VISION: Inspiring Connections Outdoors (Volunteering) - YouTube
On outings:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DsBNpGyePJGe3sgV9
A slideshow . . .
Above are the most recent happy photos with her stitched together as one:
—-LVICO sponsors a memorial brick at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
—-Twelve trees recently planted by the Abror Day Foundation in a forest of great need will forever celebrate Betty’s 12 years of inspiring urban kids to love nature, thanks to a donation of a long-time LVICO volunteer.
Betty’s 2019 Annual report tallied
30 outings completed
275 participants served
30 partner agencies
37 active volunteers