PBS Reno Announces Nick and Debbie Rossi as 2026 Extraordinary Philanthropists
Nick and Debbie Rossi will be honored during the PBS Reno Spotlight Awards Gala in September
RENO, NV (MARCH 9, 2026) – PBS Reno is proud to announce Nick and Debbie Rossi as the Extraordinary Philanthropists of 2026. PBS Reno will honor the couple for their deep dedication to supporting nonprofits in our community during the Spotlight Awards Gala on Friday, September 18, 2026 at the Reno Ballroom in downtown Reno.
"Our annual Spotlight Awards Gala gives us the opportunity to recognize and thank those in our community who provide consistent leadership and service, which benefit all of us," said Kurt Mische, PBS Reno President and CEO. "Nick and Debbie Rossi have given this leadership in their personal and professional lives and are worthy to follow in the steps of our previous honorees."
Nick Rossi's roots run deep in the community he serves. A proud graduate of the University of Nevada, he is one of the original founders, longtime CEO, and current Executive Chairman of LP Insurance Services. Rossi has guided LP Insurance Services with the singular focus of delivering trusted, people-first service to the businesses and organizations that form the backbone of local economies throughout the western U.S.
Debbie Rossi is the rock of her family, and her love for improving the lives of others has broad reach throughout the community. She volunteers her time and talent toward numerous fundraisers geared toward young children and teens. She believes in supporting and strengthening events that make Reno's community special.
Together, Nick and Debbie Rossi prioritize giving back to northern Nevada by focusing their efforts on numerous northern Nevada nonprofits dedicated toward assisting families and children with a wide variety of services. These nonprofits include but aren't limited to Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Catholic Charities, The Children's Cabinet, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, University of Nevada, Reno Athletics, University of Nevada, Reno College of Business, Bishop Manogue High School, and many more.
"We think helping others is just in our DNA," said Nick and Debbie Rossi. "We don't really think twice about it; it's simply how we were raised and the way we believe a community should work. Sometimes it's not about politics, party affiliation, or judgment. It's about filling a need, making a child smile, or protecting an animal. We've been very blessed, and if we have the opportunity to make a difference in our community, we try to help. That's our mission."
"We're honored to recognize Nick and Debbie Rossi for the meaningful impact they've had on our community," said Emma Glenn, PBS Reno Vice President of Development. "Their generosity and willingness to step up when there's a need reflect the very best of what makes northern Nevada such a special place. People like Nick and Debbie remind us how powerful community support can be. "
The PBS Reno Spotlight Awards Gala is the biggest and most important fundraiser of the year for the public television station that has served its community since September 29, 1983. The event features an extravagant dinner program and an exciting auction featuring dozens of items, including trips, dinners, tickets, and many more packages. Admission, sponsorship, and auction information are available online now.
Nominations are now open online for five Extraordinary categories: Extraordinary Student, Educator, Individual, Business, and Community Group. Nominations must be submitted by April 30, 2026, and will be voted on by the community later this summer. The winners will be announced during the 2026 Spotlight Awards Gala.
About PBS Reno
In fiscal year 2024-2025, PBS Reno reached 592,189 monthly viewers in northern and central Nevada and northeastern California across several platforms including three broadcast channels (PBS Reno 5.1, Reno Create 5.2, and PBS KIDS on PBS Reno 5.3), a YouTube channel, YouTube TV, online, livestreams, and digital platforms. PBS Reno provides PBS national programming and award-earning, locally-produced content, with many local segments posted weekly to PBS Reno’s YouTube channel. PBSReno.org provides engaging interactive content, including the video portal at watch.PBSReno.org that streams all locally-produced content and most PBS national content. PBS Reno serves students, teachers, parents and caregivers through immersive educational services including Curiosity Classroom workshops that bring classroom lessons to life with standards-based lessons and activities. Through the support of local corporations and foundations, as well as thousands of individual members, PBS Reno has been delivering public television and educational services to the communities it serves since September 29, 1983.
Contact us:
Membership Questions: membership@pbsreno.org
Programming Hotline: programming@pbsreno.org
Phone: 775.600.0555
Address: 1670 N. Virginia St. • Reno NV 89503