Nevada PEP's first home was a small office with 3 desks and 1 telephone line. Karen Taycher started Nevada PEP, and 25 years later she continues to provide strong leadership as the Executive Director. Her passion is helping families which was the reason PEP was born 25 years ago.

Nevada PEP “Shining” team (from left) Flo Laroy, Robin Kincaid, Stacey, Caroline, Karen Taycher, Gillian Wells, Juanita Matz

Nevada PEP was treated to an exclusive visit by Rudy Ruettiger. Rudy is a motivational speaker and author. Rudy struggled all through school and discovered in college that he had dyslexia. He became famous for playing three plays in a football game: a kickoff, an incomplete pass, and on the third play (the game's final play), he sacked Georgia Tech quarterback Rudy Allen. He was carried off the field by his teammates following the game, the first player in Notre Dame history to do so.

Sam Lieberman, Nevada PEP’s Board Chair and Retta Dermody, our Director of Programs and Services for the Satellite office.

Our TOP Baldy was Legendary basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian who coached the UNLV Runnin' Rebels from 1973 -1992.

In October of 2005 Nevada PEP held its 4th Annual Baldy Bash at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Nevada partnered with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, North Las Vegas Police Department, and Henderson Police Department.

Nevada PEP visited with Donna Fluke from the National Coalition of Parent Centers. Donna has been a strong advocate for children with disabilities and has made a difference for children in her career.

During the 7th Annual Baldy Bash Nevada PEP received a call from a Dad who was stationed at Nellis AFB. He wanted to be involved in the Baldy Bash, however he was in Iraq at the time, and asked if they could have an “Operation Baldy Bash” and collect donations and buzz in Iraq. We had over 25 of America’s finest buzzing for Nevada PEP.

(From Left) PEP Supporter Clifton Whitehurst, PEP Board Members Sam Lieberman, and Trish Leavitt, Senator Harry Reid, and Nevada PEP Executive Director Karen Taycher.

Since the late 1990s, Senator Reid has hosted a weekly “Welcome to Washington” breakfast for Nevadans at the Capitol. Our Executive Director attended many of these “Washington Breakfasts”. Senator Reid always welcomed Karen and always spoke of Nevada PEP in high regards.

Congresswoman Shelly Berkley energizes families at the 2010 National Coalition of Parent Centers Reception on Capitol Hill.

Every October Nevada PEP celebrates Unity Day. On Unity Day people come together, in schools, communities, and online, to send one large ORANGE message of support, hope, and unity. The goal is to show that we are united against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

In May, Nevada PEP partnered with Rollin Bonz and Broken Bonez motorcycle riding club on it first ever Poker Run to raise awareness and funding for Nevada PEP. The event was great fun, with approx. 100 bikers all riding for Nevada PEP. The Poker Run ended at the famous Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada. The Pioneer Saloon has a rich history and heritage of the old mining towns, Hollywood of yesteryear and the Wild West!

Nevada PEP was recognized by Senator Harry Reid, and was officially on the Congressional Record.

Nevada PEP celebrated the passing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits the discrimination of people with disabilities and guarantees they have the same opportunities everyone else.

Nevada PEP held the 9th Annual Run Walk Roll Against Bullying event on the UNLV campus. Tyler Corder, from Findlay Automotive Group, was the presenting Corporate Sponsor. Tyler has been the voice of Findlay Automotive Group and a positive influence in the community. Findlay Automotive Group has supported this event since its inception!