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Category:
Published: January 2008
The Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne was founded to offer exciting, enriching experiences for children who are battling life-threatening illnesses, and to provide medical treatment for them, as well. The best part is that they'll never have to pay a cent.
Success Magazine: Max, what does success mean to you?
Max Yurenda: I believe that success is measured in what you give back to your community and whether you make a positive impact in the lives of others.
SM: What is the mission of Double H Ranch?
MY: The mission of the Double H Ranch is to provide specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Our purpose is to enrich their lives and provide camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe, and medically sound. All programs are FREE of charge and capture the magic of the Adirondacks.
SM: What services do you provide for the individuals and families of
those dealing with life- threatening illnesses?
MY: The cornerstone of the Double H Ranch is its Residential Summer Camp program. This exciting program consists of multiple sessions accommodating as many as 128 children in each. While viewed by the children who participate as an exciting camp experience, the Ranch is viewed by the medical community as a serious health care program. With a child to staff ratio of 2:1, the Ranch ensures each child's safety and that each child's medical condition can be monitored as appropriate. A fully-staffed and equipped medical center has the capacity to provide for each child's unique medical requirements throughout their stay at camp. Typically, we have 8 sessions of about 7 days for a total capacity of about 1,000 children each summer. The premier off-season program for children is a one-of-a-kind Adaptive Winter Sports Program held on camp property. This program provides the opportunity for children with physical limitations to experience the thrill of downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
SM: Double H Ranch was started by Charley Wood of the Great Escape with Paul Newman. After Charley stepped down as Chairman in 1999, Neil Golub of Price Chopper became the chairman of Double H Ranch. What have you accomplished with Neil since you became CEO of this wonderful organization?
MY: We have established a reputation of excellence in the community, Board leadership has strengthened, we've expanded to provide many year-round opportunities, we have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to address the growing needs of our families, we have increased public awareness, and we've created strong committee structure to enhance strategic planning.
SM: What are your goals for the next five years?
MY: There will be several capital improvement projects completed, and
we will focus on financial sustainability. We will complete our $15 Million Campaign for the Health and Happiness of Special Children, and we will expand our fundraising territories.
SM: What new services and facilities do you provide for individuals and families?
MY: We provide specialized year-round services, and we recently completed our ski chalet expansion project. This will allow us to accommodate twice as many children in our winter program. We provide a welcoming environment that promotes an "I can do it!" attitude. Our facilities are located on 320 acres in the beautiful Adirondacks.
SM: What is the cost to individuals and families who come to Double H Ranch?
MY: As mandated by our co-founder Paul Newman, there will never
be fees charged to the families for program services that are provided
throughout the year.
SM: What is your annual budget?
MY: In 2007, our Board-approved annual operation budget is $3.1 million with a projected budget of $3.3 million in 2008.
SM: How do you raise funds for your organization?
MY: The Double H Ranch has a comprehensive fundraising program that includes donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. We also put on a series of special events held in the community, including our annual gala at the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom and our Double H Ranch Charity Golf Tournament presented by the Sagamore.
SM: How can businesses and individuals get involved and contribute to Double H Ranch?
MY: There are many ways to support us. You can sponsor a camper or skier, sponsor a special event, donate an item from our wishlist, or make a gift to our campaign. For details, you can visit our website at or call our development office at 518-696-5921 ext: 226
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