ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids is excited to announce that it has successfully paid off the note on the 20 acres of land the organization purchased in 2017 as part of their Miracles in the Dirt capital campaign. This purchase increased the total size of ROCK’s facility to 60 acres. ROCK was able to pay off the note with a grant challenge from the Harry E. and Eda L. Montandon Charitable Trust and it was matched in full by the W.D. Kelley Foundation.
ROCK celebrated this important milestone on April 1 at their annual Barn Dance gala. Representatives from the Harry E. and Eda L. Montandon Charitable Trust and the W.D. Kelley Foundation were present for a special ceremony to burn the land note. This milestone also represents the first time ROCK has been debt-free since 2014. The note was burned in front of 901 barn dance attendees.
The late Charles Avery issued a challenge to purchase the 20 acres of land adjacent to ROCK in 2014 and then in 2017 the opportunity to acquire the final 20 acres of land arose. With the land secured, the Miracles in the Dirt capital campaign has focused on paying off the 40 acres, building the Sport Clips Heroes Arena, additional horse stalls, fencing, the Doc Breen Vet Clinic, and the Cecile Autrey Ham Family Room.
ROCK is grateful for the tremendous support received from 141 donors, including 100% participation from staff and board members, as well as many individuals, businesses, and foundation partners from the community. Longtime supporters of ROCK, George and Barbara Brightwell served as chairs of this capital campaign, and it was George’s final wish before his passing in April 2023, for the land to be debt-free, a wish that has now been fulfilled. The entire campaign aims to raise $4.2 million.
ROCK is now focused on securing the remaining $220,000 needed to complete the final phase of the Miracles in the Dirt campaign, which includes the expansion of the Patti Colbert Learning Center and staff offices scheduled for later this year.
ROCK’s Founder and CEO, Nancy Krenek, expressed her gratitude towards the donors and supporters of the Miracles in the Dirt capital campaign, “We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming support that we have received from the community throughout the campaign. This achievement would not have been possible without their generosity and dedication to our mission.” The Miracles in the Dirt campaign was a response to the ever-growing need for equine-assisted services within Williamson and surrounding counties. This expansion will allow ROCK to serve more clients and continue their mission to improve independence and life skills in partnership with the horse.
ROCK is also grateful to their construction partner Embree Group of Companies and all their partners.
April Featured Volunteers: Loiselle Family