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Meet Your Neighbor: Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod
By Callie Thomas
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
It’s all about family, or so they say. But in the case of resident Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod, it all runs in the family. The third generation Las Vegan has strong ties to not only her family but to the city where she grew up. She’s the daughter of former Congressman Jim Bilbray and shares her family’s enthusiasm about the community and the residents that make it so special. “My dad was born in 1938. There were just 5,000 people in the Vegas Valley back then. While I moved around a bit, I always knew I would settle down here,” says Bilbray-Axelrod. “My family had a very strong sense of Vegas pride and I find myself attracted to opportunities that highlight how great this city is as well as the people who live in it.”
Shannon is wife to husband Danny, who works for Clark County Parks and Recreation, and a mom to their daughter Molly Ann, who turned four on Valentine’s Day. While her devotion to her own family takes top priority, her passion for giving back to the community comes in a close second. “My career has always been focused on the community,” she said. “I serve on a few boards,” Bilbray-Axelrod says modestly. In fact, she is the Nominating Chair for the Nevada chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and a board Vice President for Family to Family Connection West, and Co-Chair of Las Vegas Prom Closet. She also lends a hand in fundraising for Clinics in Schools, which was founded by her brother-in-law Noah. Each of the organizations she supports has had a personal affect on Shannon.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is focused on finding a cure for diabetes and its complications by supporting research. “I lost my brother Kevin to Juvenile Diabetes when I was nine years old,” she said. “He was only 14 months when he was diagnosed. So many kids are forced to grow up way too fast because of this disease and a cure is so close.” Shannon is continually in awe of the board members she has worked with who are adept at thinking outside of the box to engage the people of Las Vegas. “It always seems that the busiest people are the ones who never say no when asked for help,” she noted.
Family to Family West offers a variety of free groups and services for parents and children up to 4 years old. It is an integral resource for new parents. Family to Family offers a new baby center, library, car seat safety as well as hospital visitation and classes. “I got involved with Family to Family after the birth of our daughter,” she said. “It is such a wonderful organization that helps so many families on a shoe-string budget.” While recent budget cuts completely slashed the funding for this organization, it still managed to have the most successful Touch-a-Truck event in its seven year history. The fundraiser gives kids an opportunity to get behind the wheel and rub elbows with their hometown heroes.
Bilbray-Axelrod also lends her magic touch to Las Vegas Prom Closet, an organization that makes dreams come true for young girls who want to go to prom but don’t have the money. They provide gently used dresses and accessories just like the perfect fairy godmother. “This past March we had our 9th Annual Prom Closet and we gave out more than 200 dresses to girls in need,” says Shannon.
Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod is a family member of our community and continues to invest her time and talents in making it the best it can be. “I encourage everyone to give back in whatever way is right for you. In turn, you’ll leave a positive mark on everything around you.”
