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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet the Neighbor – Bruce Familian
By Callie Thomas
“A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason.”
-J.P. Morgan
When resident Bruce Familian decided to lend his support to local charities both personally and through his businesses, it was the real deal. In fact, Familian couldn’t see a reason NOT to find a way to help others. “I really enjoy helping people that may be less fortunate or need a second chance,” he said. “Giving back to the community is an essential responsibility that I take very seriously.”
The 16-year Vegas resident is an established developer, boasting the creation of over 100 commercial and industrial buildings since he made this city his home. He is the founder of the City Stop local convenience stores of which there are currently 11 in the Valley. In addition, Familian operates a local slot route company named Nevada Gaming Partners which installs slot products in many local grocery markets, convenience stores, laundromats, taverns and carwashes. Even amidst all these endeavors, this enterprising Las Vegan has also found many ways to support our local charities, including being actively involved on the Advisory Board for the Southern Nevada Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics organization provides free year-round sports training and competition through a variety of sports for those five years of age and older with developmental disabilities. Participation in the sports program is about more than winning; it is about improving quality of life. Special Olympics Nevada services help to build physical fitness, improve social skills and provide an atmosphere where participants interact with other athletes and with the community.
The Nevada chapter of the organization not only offers free sports training and competition opportunities for participation in 12 different sports, it also offers local support and motivation for its participants. “I really enjoy working with the athletes,” Familian said. “It’s rewarding to see all the athletes having so much fun, and for most, it’s what they look forward to all year long.”
City Stop convenience stores sponsor the annual fundraiser for the organization called “Bowl for the Gold”. Special Olympics Nevada is entirely self-funded and doesn’t receive any state, federal or United Way money, so events like City Stop’s Bowl for the Gold are what make the difference. “It’s my favorite fundraiser for the year, and City Stop continues to raise money from our customer’s spare change year round,” he said. “So drop your change in next time you’re there and know you are helping the athletes.” Upcoming events for the Special Olympics include Bowl for the Gold, a cycling event, an extreme rappelling event at the RIO, and fall training and competition in bowling, soccer, softball and golf. Information is available at www.sonv.org.
In addition to Special Olympics, Bruce is on the Board of Congregation Ner Tamid where he and his family, including wife Sarah and sons Alex and Cortland, are members. Familian has seen to it that his companies are very active in the community and lend their support to the Nevada Cancer Institute, YMCA, Race for the Cure, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and local baseball teams. “When I can make a difference, either by someone getting a necessary medical treatment or just putting a smile on their face for completing an event, it is a humbling and rewarding experience knowing that I’ve made a difference.”
While the accomplishment that Bruce Familian is most proud of is his family, he has also touched the lives of our community through his dedication and giving persona. “I always treat people the way I want to be treated, and I’ll continue to give back to help those in need.”
