Monday, September 21, 2009

Annual Charity Benefit - Detroit Area

Mark your calendars for our annual charity benefit at the Berkley Front in Berkley Michigan for Saturday, October 24, 2009. What a Band,What A Band will be starting off the night of entertainment. Johnny B.'s band "Square One" will also be there for our musical entertainment. The minimum donation will be $10.00 per ticket. It will start at 7:00 p.m. Call us at 517-592-4252 if you have any questions, or want to buy tickets ahead of time. Tickets will also be on sale at the door. All money raised will support our programming at the ranch. Many new things happening here, so come and join the fun and find out how you can help some kids who just need a little more TLC in their lives. See ya there!!! Yu'all!!

Softball Game - Youth Center


Friday night we spent at the Jackson County Youth Center playing a softball game with the kids and their staff. We had so much fun! I think the mature adult males had more fun than the kids. They could go back in time and be kids again! Bill hasn't played ball for a very long time. Bill was never a home run hitter, but he always got on base with singles and doubles. He shined Friday night with a couple of hits. I teased him about how much slower he runs the bases, though!! I got a single my first time at bat, but I pulled a couple of muscles as soon as I left the batters box! It serves me right for teasing Bill, right?? We shared a meal together after the game of Kentucky Fried Chicken and homemade apple crisp and peach crisp. Chris made the peach crisp from peaches from our peach tree. The apples were donated by Hanover Orchard. Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Big Brothers - Boys


Last Saturday we had a group of boys come to the ranch for a weekend of fun. These boys either have a Big Brother or are on a waiting list for a Big Brother. There are quit a few kids in Jackson County waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. If you are interested in mentoring these kids, please contact Big Brothers/Big Sisters at: 517-784-7181.
We believe mentoring is key to a child success. Even though we only spend 24 hours with the children, relationships can form. These kids know they can count on us if they need help. Deshon did not want to ride Oreo, our most trusted friend, or even get near her. However, with some encouragement from Miss Janet, he got over his fear and Deshon walked Miss Janet on the trail while she rode Oreo. What a creative idea to get Deshon on the trail! I wish I would have thought of it! We really like the kids to walk the trail. There is much discussion that goes on during the trail ride, so it is important for them to at least walk it. Miss Janet had to leave early in the afternoon, so she wasn't here for the rest of the activities. Deshon knew she wasn't here, and asked me later, "where is Miss Janet?" That proves that one-on-one mentoring can make an impact! Later in the day Deshon even wanted to help clean the horse stalls! Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right "Big Brothers".