Community Impact
At The Groop, we measure success not just by our achievements, but by the positive impact we create in the communities we serve. Through our philanthropic efforts, we are committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable world, working together to inspire change and improve lives.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the largest youth organizations in the U.S., focused on developing character, leadership, and outdoor skills in young people. Founded in 1910, the BSA has impacted millions of youth through programs designed to teach values such as trustworthiness, loyalty, and kindness, as encapsulated in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
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The BSA offers several programs catering to different age groups: Cub Scouts (K-5), Scouts BSA (11-17 years), Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring (all for youth aged 14-20). These programs emphasize outdoor activities, leadership development, and community service, with opportunities for youth to earn merit badges and work towards achieving the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.
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Dick Haddrill, a Distinguished Eagle Scout, credits Scouting for helping him avoid a troubled path growing up in Detroit, where drugs and crime were rampant. He observed that many of his peers who were also in Scouts found success, while others struggled. Haddrill highlights the value of Scouting in teaching life skills, ethics, and teamwork, which shaped his career and leadership style. He advocates for Scouting as a vital program to help youth stay on track. Haddrill received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award in recognition of his contributions.
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​The Haddrill Climbing Challenge, organized by the Las Vegas Area Council, involves taking a portable climbing wall to schools, giving students an opportunity to experience the thrill of climbing while introducing them to the fun of Scouting. For many participants, this was their first experience of such an activity, helping them overcome fears and build confidence. The program aims to inspire more youth to join Scouting through these exciting challenges.
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Share in the Joy" is a nonprofit organization based in Las Vegas, dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and families, particularly those in the foster care system. Through various programs and events, the organization focuses on creating meaningful, joyful experiences for vulnerable communities. Initiatives like "Furnishing JOY" and "Fostering JOY" provide essential resources, while events such as "HoliJOY" and "Empowering JOY" aim to reunite siblings and empower girls in foster care and victims of domestic violence.
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Founded by Chris Duhrkoop, the organization is driven by a commitment to compassion, community service, and volunteerism. With strong leadership and partnerships, "Share in the Joy" continues to make a lasting impact by promoting kindness and support for those in need.
UM-Dearborn Difference Makers are at the forefront of their fields. They’re improving the lives of others and making an impact on campus and in our local communities.
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Richard Haddrill (’74 B.S.A.) is at the forefront of what makes Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world. Dick is the former president and CEO of Bally Technologies, Inc., a $2 billion, publicly-traded company that designs, manufactures, distributes and operates gaming devices and computerized monitoring, accounting and player-tracking systems for gaming devices. Now chairman of the board at Bally, Dick launched a side company – Corrective Education – which provides theft prevention and response software technology, as well as specialized training to the retail business industry. Dick’s leadership ability also benefits UM-Dearborn, as he volunteers on the College of Business Board of Advisors.