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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet The Neighbor – Cale Ramaker
By Callie Thomas
It is apropos that Cale Ramaker’s most memorable Vegas experience would take place while he was flying into town for the first time during a lightning storm. Not that he was nervous or that he particularly relishes lightning storms. It’s that he enjoys flying on planes and is content being “up in the air,” much like the George Clooney character in the Oscar nominated movie of the same name. During the dance in the sky, the city lights still shone bright, making it a memorable welcome for the new 89144 resident. That was eight months ago, and Ramaker’s since settled firmly into the city and onto our television screens as part of the KLAS TV 8 morning news team.
Although born and raised in Bellevue, a suburb of Seattle, Ramaker has spent a bit of time traveling. He attended the University of Arizona, where he began broadcasting basketball and baseball play-by-play, which landed him his first gig in television as a sportscaster. He then joined local news stations in Lubbock, Texas and Medford, Oregon, as well as Lansing, Michigan. While Ramaker could definitely be described as an extremely loyal sports fan, he was approached about becoming a news anchor and moved around the country again to places like Minneapolis/Saint Paul and Orlando, Florida. Las Vegas eventually came calling, and he’s happy putting down roots at his new home in Summerlin and integrating himself within the community.
Ramaker brings a passion for helping others through organizations that have personal meaning. This includes Big Brothers/Big Sisters (BBBS) as a mentor and overseeing a family scholarship that had been started in honor of his late grandfather over twenty years ago. Ramaker talks about his work with BBBS, his love of sports (Denver Broncos and Washington State Cougars) and why hopping on an airplane is just another way of unwinding.
Tell us about your work with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.
“I have been a mentor for about seven years now. I’m involved in two facets, really. First, I’ve mentored a now sixteen year old young man, Marius, in Orlando since 2006. I started out tutoring Marius weekly while he was in middle school. We’ve spent the last six years or so in the traditional community based mentoring environment. Even though I’ve moved from Orlando, Marius and I keep in close touch. I’m so proud of what a strong character he’s developed and how he has tangible goals after graduating high school.”
And the second?
“I oversee a BBBS scholarship our family started in honor of my late grandfather, Colby. He was the national Big of the Year in 1985 for his work in the Marin County/San Francisco area. Colby passed away in 1987. I lead the Marin County/North Bay BBBS organization in soliciting and electing annual scholarship winners. I also oversee the financial activity of my grandfather’s scholarship.”
You must be proud of your work with the organization.
“It’s been a blessing to watch Marius grow from a timid pre-teen to a solid young man. I’d like to think I played even the smallest role in helping him develop a good worldly sense of priorities and making the right decisions.”
How great was it to combine your love of sports with your career?
“I am a very loyal fan. I was at the Denver Broncos playoff game and I don’t miss their games on TV. I have season tickets to Washington State football.”
Tell us something you think your friends and others might not know about yourself.
“Every now and then, I’ll just hop on a flight and fly somewhere random to unwind. A few times, I’ve come right back. Also, apparently I throw good parties. At least that’s what I’m told. They could be awful for all I know.”
What makes you successful?
“Honestly, I don’t look at myself as successful. I think I’m still evolving toward that… I hope. I’m blessed and I’ve worked hard, but I’m still working to be successful, professionally and personally.”
