SKY RANCH FOUNDATION ℠ AND SKY RANCH FOR BOYS ® AWARD $100,000 GRANT TO SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES ILLINOIS
January 4, 2016 –
Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ (skyranchfoundation.org) recently awarded a $100,000 grant to SOS Children’s Villages Illinois (sosllinois.org) for the development of a new Community Center at its Roosevelt Square Village in the near west loop of Chicago. The Center’s foyer and lobby will be dedicated to Foundation Vice President and board member Peggy Donovan, whose decades-long affiliation with—and support of– Sky Ranch for Boys® and the Sky Ranch Foundation℠ has earned her the Foundation’s deepest gratitude.
In addition to her extensive career with Wirtz Beverage, Peggy volunteers as Guardian ad Litem for Florida’s 5th Judicial Circuit and Secretary for Voices for Children of North Central Florida, Inc. Since the Guardian ad item Program is state-mandated, Guardians are prohibited from fundraising for the program. 92% of funds raised by Voices for Children assist the Guardian Program. The Ad Litem program is a key component of ensuring the welfare of children who are referred to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
“This is the largest single grant awarded by the Foundation to-date”, said George McCarthy, Foundation Chairman and President Ralph Aguera. “Through Peggy’s tireless efforts on behalf of Sky Ranch Foundation℠ in working with organizations such as SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, countless at-risk youth have received necessary rehabilitation and support. We are pleased to be able to recognize Ms. Donovan with this tribute.”
“SOS Children’s Villages Illinois is very appreciative of this transformational gift for our new Roosevelt Square Community Center…which is projected to serve over 5,000 people annually, offer an inspirational welcome to the children, families and community members served through our academic, therapeutic, social and recreational programming”, said Timothy McCormick, CEO SOS Children’s Villages Illinois.
This marks the 4th grant in as many years that the Foundation has awarded SOS Children’s Villages Illinois. For 25 years, their unique program provides sibling group foster care, where children receive care and support from a full-time, professionally trained foster parent.
About Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ and Sky Ranch For Boys ®
Since 2011, the Foundation ℠ has awarded $1,162,070.48 in grants to organizations providing support for at-risk youth. Formed in 1961 and building on more than 50 years of tradition, Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ is a tax-exempt charitable organization committed to identifying and offering grants to efficient and effective programs focused on improving the quality of help available to these youth.
Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ is governed by a board of directors comprised mainly of active and retired members of the beverage alcohol industry. The Foundation’s ℠ funds have come largely from individuals and companies associated with the beer, wine and spirits industries and reflects the industry’s great concern and commitment for at-risk youth. www.skyranchfoundation.org ℠