Rick Rusch Portfolio Life

A “Portfolio Life” isn't just about what you do, it is about who you are.

Born in Buffalo, NY, and raised by an American couple, of German/Sicilian heritage, my life was greatly influenced by post-World War II America along with the influence of my Sicilian elders, who brought with them their unique traditions.

Part of my family’s tradition, brought from Sicily, was the celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph; a day on which my grandmother, Nina Barone was born.  Every March 19th, the families with a Sicilian heritage would prepare a “St. Joseph’s Day” table overseeing and serving Lenten Meals to the community.  As the Sicilian legend goes, farmers prayed to St. Joseph, promising that if he interceded in a drought, they would share their bounty with the poor.  My grandfather, Carlos Geraci, and his family were farmers in the Palermo regain of Sicily.

"I was brought up in the Roman Catholic faith and am still a practicing Catholic.  Until recently, I was attending St. Mary's Basilica as a parishioner.  However, when the Franciscans left the Basilica, I felt it was necessary to move to the Franciscan Renewal Center to continue to be part of the Franciscan way of life."

In 2020 during covid lockdown, I realized it was time to move forward in a different direction.  I sold most of my belongings and my house to give me the freedom to travel and to capture stories about people, in words and pictures.  I want to share with the world by showing the beauty that life has to offer.  I left my old life behind, and I have given my life to the Lord, asking Him to guide me to where He feels I need to be.

Volunteer

Franciscan Renewal Center, Scottsdale, Arizona

Volunteer and Parishioner since the Spring of 2023

Casa Franciscana Outreach | Guaymas, Mexico

·       Assisting with photography, updating, and documenting the services offered at the mission.

·       Pilgrimage March & October 2023.

Photographer – Volunteer for the Communications Department

·       Event Photography

Mathew 25 Ministry @ IRC Welcome Center

Trained in six (6) areas; 154 volunteer hours.

·       Active AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card for “ Children’s Program.”

·       Volunteer of the Month December 2023

Casa Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Casa Habitat Volunteer January 2023

St. Mary’s Food Bank, Phoenix, Arizona

Saint Mary’s Basilica Volunteer since 2022

·       Support the packaging of food boxes for seniors and families.

Penda Trust, South Africa

Volunteered at a Nonprofit Organization Spring of 2021

Provided grassroots youth charities with professional photographs that were used to raise awareness about community issues for future fundraising.

·       The goal was to provide after-school programs for the youth and to build a youth community center in two (2) towns.

Rick Rusch Bio

Volunteer

Goodwill Industries, Phoenix, Arizona

Volunteer Coordinator assists people in need of placement in 2017.

·       Recipient of the 1st Volunteer of the Month Award.

PBS Volunteer

Answer phones during pledge drives and was their public relations volunteer photographer providing photography services when needed for PBS events from 2008 to 2013.

·       Played and acted as the “Cat In the Hat” at a Latin Educational Event in 2013.

United Blood Services, Phoenix, Arizona

Coordinator overseeing bi-yearly blood drives for 20+ years.

·       “Valentine For Life” Achievement Award of 120% Blood Donations.

HVAC Industry, Phoenix, Arizona

From 1996 to 2005

·       Coordinated with the HVAC industry in supporting people, NPO facilities, and shelters in need of air conditioning and heating needs.

Organizations

4th Degree - Treasurer Knights of Columbus, St. Francis Xavier Church | Phoenix, Arizona

Performed charitable works determined by our Pastor, currently a Non-Active Member

·       Treasurer:  Created quarterly and annual budgets supporting organizational needs and expenses.

Jarhead Professionals,  Phoenix, AZ

Civilian USMC Organization

·       Founded on the idea of common core values assisting in community service and organizing fundraising events for charitable and scholarship recipients.

Work Experience

Rick Rusch Photography

Professional Editorial / Lifestyle / Fashion / Event / Humanitarian Photographer since 2016

Career Development Director

Twenty-five (25+) years working for Nationally Accredited Schools

·       Guest Speaker - Delivered presentations to educate, inform, and motivate audiences.

·       Awarded - “Best Placement Practices.”

·       Master of Ceremonies at Graduations

Military

United States Marine Corps

Honorable Discharge - Top Secret Clearance Rick Rusch Bio