Volunteer Spotlight: Rich Langley – A Heart for Building Hope
At Roc Solid Foundation, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission. They show up, work hard and give their time to bring joy to families fighting pediatric cancer. One of those standout volunteers is Rich Langley. He is a go-to guy for our playset builds who embodies our core value: No matter what, no matter where. His dedication, passion and willingness to always say “yes” make him an essential part of our community.
How Rich Got Involved
Like many of our incredible volunteers, Rich’s journey with Roc Solid started with a simple opportunity. His son needed volunteer hours for a school program, and a friend on our Board of Directors suggested they join a playset build. That first experience sparked something in Rich. What began as lending a hand quickly turned into a passion for making a difference.
His “Why”
For Rich, the reason he keeps coming back is simple, “Kids should be playing outside, not in hospital beds fighting cancer.” This belief fuels his commitment, pushing him to go above and beyond to make sure every child and family fighting pediatric cancer feels supported, encouraged and loved.
Recognized for His Dedication: NASCAR’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Finalist
In 2020, Rich was honored as a finalist for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, a prestigious recognition from NASCAR that celebrates fans who dedicate their time to helping children in their communities. His unwavering commitment to Roc Solid Foundation and his passion for bringing hope to families fighting pediatric cancer earned him a spot among the top four nominees nationwide.
This recognition highlights what we already know—Rich is not just a volunteer. He is a difference-maker who goes the extra mile (sometimes quite literally) to serve others.
Advice for Future Volunteers
Thinking about volunteering with Roc Solid? Rich has one piece of advice—“Just give it a try!”
“It’s a little work and a lot of fun,” he says. “Believe in the process, and don’t be afraid to share ideas. That’s how we’ve grown and improved over time.”
At Roc Solid, we welcome volunteers of all skill levels. Whether you’ve built a thousand playsets or have never picked up a power tool, there’s a place for you here.
While Rich has given so much to Roc Solid, the experience has given back to him as well. He jokes that volunteering has made him a better public speaker, “which isn’t saying much,” but his real strength is in his actions. His dependability, kindness and problem-solving mindset make a lasting impact on both the team and the families we serve.
What Others Say About Rich
Our Roc Solid team knows that when Rich is on a build, things will run smoothly. Hannah, our Playset Coordinator, calls him her “go-to guy” because of his ability to always say “yes.”
“He rarely needs much detail before committing to a build,” she says. “If Rich is there, I know everything will be taken care of. Not to mention, he makes each family’s day extra special in the process.”
Our Director of Playsets, John, recalls a time when a playset delivery to Texas ran into an unexpected challenge. Just two days before the build, the playset hadn’t arrived. When John called Rich for advice, Rich immediately checked how long it would take to drive the playset from Virginia to Texas himself. They loaded up his personal vehicle, ready to make the journey, but just 20 minutes before he hit the road, the playset finally arrived.
While the trip wasn’t necessary, Rich’s willingness to step up at a moment’s notice says everything about his character.
More About Rich
When he’s not building hope with Roc Solid, Rich works as a warehouse manager at the Port of Virginia. He also helps with maintenance and repair for Beach Pet Hospital and Pups & Pints.
Rich recently married his wife, Christina, and he has a son living and working in Richmond. His home is filled with pets, including three French bulldogs, a Welsh terrier, a snake and a koi pond. When he’s not volunteering or working, he enjoys carpentry, a skill that certainly comes in handy on playset builds.
A True Difference Maker
Rich Langley is the kind of volunteer who makes Roc Solid Foundation what it is today. Whether it’s jumping in to help on a build, troubleshooting last-minute challenges or simply showing up with a heart full of compassion, Rich leads by example. His impact reaches far beyond the playsets he builds. It’s in the smiles of the children, the gratitude of the families and the strength of the Roc Solid community.
Rich, we can’t thank you enough for all that you do. Your dedication, kindness and hard work continue to change lives, and we are so grateful to have you on this journey with us.
Join the Movement
Inspired by Rich’s story? You can be part of the mission too. Whether you’re a skilled builder or just looking to lend a hand, there’s a place for you at Roc Solid Foundation. Sign up to volunteer today and help us bring hope and play to kids fighting cancer.
If you want to help support Roc Solid’s play and Ready Bag programs, donate here!
