This is In Business Las Vegas' fourth look at Southern Nevada's generosity and benevolence. The 2004 edition is without a doubt the largest and most comprehensive effort we have put forth on this project. We have attempted to document an array of businesses that give back to the people. While it would be impractical to claim that we have covered every generous act here, we have endeavored to show an assortment of groups performing charitable deeds.

For newcomers to this publication, we offer some background on the Business Community Investment Council. The BCIC is a volunteer group dedicated to getting Southern Nevada businesses involved in charity work. Paul Stowell of Business Bank of Nevada is the BCIC president. He so eloquently summed up his philosophy behind philanthropy in an interview for one of the stories in this section: "Giving isn't rocket science – it's just a matter of deciding what you want to do and then doing it. It's about making a conscious decision, a commitment and then following through."

In this supplement, we take a look at employee contribution programs in the fields of gaming, banking, homebuilding, education and law, just to name a few. We have tried to identify a few faces in the Valley who have shined when it has come to kindness. These folks range from a neurosurgeon who has volunteered his expertise to save the lives of dogs with spinal injuries to a Boy Scout who has organized a force of friends and relatives to knit caps for cancer patients, premature infants and the homeless.

We are especially proud of two special features in this section. First, we have produced "A Community in Action." This is a collection of photos from various companies throughout 2004 doing what they do best – giving back to society. This collage begins on page 33. Second, we offer a list of nonprofit organizations found throughout Southern Nevada. We provide their contact information and their respective "wish lists." That feature starts on page 55.

We want you to use this publication as a guideline. Read about some of the programs in workplaces across the Valley. Enjoy the features and laud the groups. Then, examine if your company is doing its part and, if not, just how you can help change that. While philanthropy is on the upswing here, a host of needs regularly go unassisted. That shouldn't happen in a community like Las Vegas.

Click here to download the Community Giving special now!