“During my years spent at the Double H Ranch I have had the honor of meeting many special people who support our mission on an annual basis with their time, energy and financial support. Recently one of our long-time donors passed away. I was saddened by her loss and missed seeing her at our special events and talking with her about all of the exciting things that are happening at the Double H Ranch. A few months after her passing I was contacted by her family letting me know that she had chosen to remember the Double H Ranch in her will. By choosing to do this she left a lasting legacy ensuring we will be here for future generations of children and families in need.” -Eileen Nash, Director of Development
“As I headed out of the woods and into the community this year with a goal of building awareness for the Double H, I was surprised at the number of people who sought me out to share with me their personal connection to the Double H, be it somebody they knew who was a camper, their child’s day at camp as a participant in our Reach for the Ranch school program, their volunteer experience or their stay during a Family Program weekend. I set out to educate the community, but in the end I gained a greater appreciation for the far-reaching impact our programs and services have on our community at large.” -Linda Smith, Individual & Community Giving Programs Coordinator (Click HERE for more information on Fundraising by Friends)
Oprah Winfrey once said “I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life”. During this past year I have had the honor and privilege of working with dedicated corporations who support Double H on a daily basis. Corporations such as US Foodservice continue to give generously through programs such as Payroll Deduction, Charity Golf Classic, Go FisHH, Poker Tournament, volunteerism and tremendous donations of food and financial support throughout the year. When I asked Bill Speed, President of US Foodservice, recently why he continues to support the Double H in every one of our endeavors he replied “the Ranch is a “godsend” for the children and families that the Ranch serves.” As the end of the year approaches I hope that you will join Bill and other community leaders in supporting the Double H Ranch in our fundraising efforts. -Robin DeMattos, Corporate Giving and Special Events Manager (Click HERE to view the Double H Ranch Events Calendar)
“In September, the Double H hosted its Inaugural Camp Challenge Ride cycling event. After a year of planning, the ride was a true success with over 90 riders who raised funds and awareness for the Double H’s year-round programming. In addition to the many individuals who rode in support of the Double H, we welcomed teams who rode in honor of or in memory of loved ones. One such group was Team Drakkoman, formed in memory of camper Ben. Throughout Ben’s courageous battle against the rare cancer osteosarcoma he was assisted in his journey by a super hero of his creation – The Green Drakkoman. Ben loved the Double H and his family continues to share the magic of the Double H with his family and friends by annually participating in Helping Hands Work Days and continuing to inspire others to support the Mission in memory of his son. Team Drakkoman, along with Ben’s family, friends and the Siena Women’s Lacrosse and Water Polo teams supported the Camp Challenge ride, making it a true testament to Ben’s spirit. Each day I am reminded that through the continued support of our dedicated volunteers and donors we are able to provide our campers and their families with life-changing memories that will last a lifetime.” -Kimberly Checchia, Development and Communications Coordinator (Click HERE to celebrate in the success of Camp Challenge Ride 2010)
