You know Rita Weist is ready to lead when she dons her favorite white hat.

It started for this retired Bellevue resident when she oversaw members of the Boeing Ski Club during a trip. Back then, it was a way to stand out for the group.

But the trend continued when Weist, 84, dove into a campaign to reduce energy consumption. She wore the hat while distributing 450 free compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to friends and neighbors throughout the region.

“I’ve worn that hat at many events because it identifies me as the leader,” she said.

Weist’s efforts are part of a joint campaign by Puget Sound Energy and Project Porchlight to decrease energy consumption and help the environment. The two organizations have teamed up for a series of Rock the Bulb events, which included the Bellevue Bulb Blitz locally.

Weist is an active volunteer involved with a number of regional groups. She used her connections to distribute more bulbs after delivering just 50 through the door-to-door method in her neighborhood.

Among the groups Weist eventually reached were store clerks, state fair judges, multiple medical centers, and the Master Gardener Foundation.

“I’m very active with volunteering and other commitments,” she said. “I gave (CFL) bulbs to everyone in the organizations where I’m involved.

“I think from the time I was a 10-year-old Girl Scout I had the impression that you’re supposed to help if you can.”

Weist remains active with the volunteer ski patrol, and also serves as program chair of the Boeing Ski Club.