As the end of year draws near, we like to look back and remember the stories of the people who have experienced Slide Ranch’s education programs thanks to your support. One story we’d like to share that we hope will inspire you to make a year-end gift to Slide Ranch is about two children who fundraise to give other children the chance to experience the joys of nature and nurture at Slide Ranch.
Ever since they were toddlers, Hannah and James Scherr have loved visiting Slide Ranch. Then in 2012, when Hannah was 11 and James was 9, they decided they wanted to help other kids enjoy our farm by the sea--they created a cycling event called Slide Ride. Besides just raising money, the kids wanted to help their friends and family get to know Slide Ranch, while raising awareness about the work we do.
We asked the Scherr family to tell us a little more about the event and what it means to them.
Please tell us about Slide Ride
Slide Ride is a 12-mile round trip from The Depot in downtown Mill Valley to Tennessee Valley Beach. The work of the Ride itself begins months in advance--seeking volunteers to ride and soliciting contributions. The kids send emails to a long list of friends and family asking them to participate and contribute. The ride itself usually takes place on a Saturday or Sunday morning in the fall to coincide with Silver Trowel (Slide Ranch’s own annual fundraising event). As for the ride itself, once the riders reach the beach, they take a break, play in the sand and surf and get ready for the climb back to the trailhead at the parking lot. Upon arrival back in Mill Valley, it's hot cocoa for everyone!
What motivates your family to do the Slide Ride?
The motivation behind the Slide Ride is twofold. First, we really want to empower the kids become leaders and organizers of a philanthropic event, to let them see firsthand that they can make a difference. Second, we all simply love Slide Ranch and have been going there for over 12 years--we all love it and want to support it.
What experiences would you like to share with our community about Slide Ride that may inspire others to do their own fundraising to support Slide Ranch?
Hannah and James have seen the direct impact of their hard work. The opportunity for kids to take the reins and run with this event lets them test their boundaries, experience some hard work, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is a good mix of technology for the fundraising, physical activity for the body, and a generous act for their souls! The kids come away from the event proud of their achievements and ready for the next challenge.
How do you think Slide Ranch’s programs impact children?
Slide Ranch has really inspired Hannah and James to want to share the wonders of nature and the ranch with other kids. It is a place where they feel safe taking chances, learning and growing.
In 2014 Hannah, James, their family and friends raised over $2,600 for Slide Ranch, totaling an amazing $6,400 over the last three years. That’s the equivalent of giving 289 kids from low-income and underserved communities the chance to attend a day field trip through our scholarship program.
We hope you agree that Hannah and James are two big-hearted children, and we hope that their efforts truly encourage you to give a generous final tax-deductible gift this year. All gifts received before December 31, 2014 will be MATCHED up to $5,000 by one of our generous donors.