Volunteer Spotlight

Kevin Kopplinger (Bear)

This past year has been one of recognition for Bear. He was recognized by his employer, Nationwide Insurance, for being an outstanding volunteer. He also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. Nominations for this award are received from all over Texas and we are incredibly excited that Bear was selected as this year’s awardee!

Bear has been a dedicated, compassionate and thoughtful member of the RCC family for well over a year now and has done an enormous amount of work in that time; providing continuous support, care and time to the multiple programs within the agency and the communities we serve. He has spent many evenings and weekends doing community outreach; hospital advocacy; and walking neighborhoods handing out information to residents and businesses on missing persons and human trafficking. He’s shared his experiences as a volunteer at RCC events; and participated in review and assessment of RCC fundraising efforts. He’s been on the United Way Campaign for Nationwide ever since he started 8 years ago and has plugged the RCC’s work every chance he gets. Every few days, Kevin comes to the office and checks in, expressing a genuine interest in the day-to-day work and well-being of agency employees. On top of all the amazing things Bear gives his time to; he also handmade 12 blankets, each with their own unique pattern, for our counselors to keep in their offices.

Bear’s father was a union labor leader and “passionate about taking care of people,” so Bear grew up attending labor union meetings and strikes. In 1968, he helped serve food to members of the United Farmworkers’ Union as they marched across Colorado en route from Los Angeles to Washington, DC.

In 1979, Bear grew weary of society and decided to live in a cave for almost a year. He lived off the land and avoided people entirely. It was during this time that he earned the moniker, “Bear.” He said that once in a while, his friends would check in on him to make sure he was OK. They would come as close as they could to his cave, situated just below a cliff. They said he would growl at them, “like a bear, being disturbed in his cave.”

Bear’s had a lot of life experience – He was a fixture in the theatre, doing everything from set design to making costumes. He was also a truck driver, factory worker, bull rider, movie stuntman and an emergency medicine paramedic. He even attended the seminary for two years.

“Life is what you make of it. People don’t have to let their circumstances define who they are. Everyone rises to the point they allow themselves. Everyone can be their own hero.”

Bear, your love for humanity and generous spirit always shine through! The RCC is stronger because of your level of commitment to our clients, staff and mission. Thank you so much!!