March 2017

Sazerac Company, proud owner of some of the most venerable distilling companies-Buffalo Trace Distillery, A. Smith Bowman, Glenmore Distillery, Barton, Fleischman, Medley and Mr. Boston-has made it possible for Sky Ranch Foundation℠ to help continue in our efforts to award grants to deserving organizations which help rehabilitate at-risk youth.

Standing today as the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, has been making whisky for more than 200 years, all great bourbons including Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller.

Recently released and limited to only 200 bottles, the ultra-rare O.F.C. Vintage Bourbons were given to a select few charity institutions for their use in fundraising. Sky Ranch Foundation℠ was the benefactor of the O.F.C. 1982 Vintage bottle. Their donation earned the Foundation in excess of $5,700.

George McCarthy, Foundation Chairman and Ralph Aguera, Foundation President agree, “The Foundation appreciates the support we received from Sazerac Company and wish them great success with their newest release. Funds raised will go a long way to furthering the Foundation’s efforts.”

The full list of companies can be accessed on our Support page (link here). If you made a donation and do not see your company listed here, please contact doribryant@aol.com.

While visiting the site please note that the Foundation now accepts direct donations on our Support page.

We thank all of those who have been supporting the Foundation and look forward to your continued support.

George McCarthy, Chairman

Ralph Aguera, President

About Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ and Sky Ranch For Boys ®

Since 2011, the Foundation ℠ has awarded $1.7 million in grants to organizations providing support for at-risk youth. Formed in 1961 and building on more than 56 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. If you involved with or know of any organization that would fit our commitment we encourage you to visit our web site www.skyranchfoundation.org and apply for a grant.

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 ℠

Only two hundred charitable organizations received an extra special holiday gift from Buffalo Trace Distillery, as the last of the bottles of the O.F. C. Bourbon have been shipped all across the United States.

These rare bottles are not available in stores, bars or restaurants, so true collectors will need to bid high at the various charitable events. “We expect these bottles to raise upwards of $10,000 each,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director. In fact, three of the bottles from this collection have already auctioned for $8,000 each.

The O.F.C. Bourbon is vintage-dated according to the specific year in which the bourbon was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each hand-cut crystal bottle features the vintage year on the label.

The first release is comprised of only 200 bottles; 100 bottles from the year 1980, 50 bottles from 1982, and 50 bottles from 1983. Each charity selected randomly received one of these three particular vintages. Sky Ranch Foundation was awarded the 1982 vintage.

The packaging for O.F.C. matches the splendor of the whiskey itself, in lead free crystal bottles with detailed fluting engraved into the mold. Each bottle was manually polished to achieve maximum glass brilliance before copper lettering was in-laid in the bottle to spell out “O.F.C.” on the front. A paper label was then hand applied below with the vintage prominently noted, along with a label on the back of the bottle noting the milestones for the vintage year of the bottle. The bottles are packaged in a wooden display box containing a provenance card with the same information found on the back label.

This is the second time Buffalo Trace Distillery has partnered with non-profit organizations to raise money. In 2011, the Distillery gave away 174 bottles of its Millennium Barrel, the last bourbon barrel filled on the last day of the last century. In total more than $150,000 was raised for various charities across the United States, with the top organization raising more than $7,000 for their cause.

For more information on the Foundation’s bottle of 1982 O.F.C. Vintage bourbon, please contact Dori Bryant, Director of Partnership Development, at doribryant@aol.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

For more than 55 years, Sky Ranch Foundation’s ℠ and Sky Ranch for Boys ® has been helping young people to rehabilitate their lives. Since selling Sky Ranch in 2011, the Foundation has continued in that effort, awarding more than $1.7 million in grants to organizations which support our mission. This has been made possible only with the overwhelming support of companies in the beverage alcohol industry and special individuals.

During the past decade alone, significant donations were received from auctions, both silent and live, be that from one-bottle donations or barrels and from relatively obscure new brands to well-known admired brands.

In 2009, German Gonzalez of T1 Tequila Uno donated his very first barrel of Reposado which earned the Foundation upwards of $40,000. Proudly we can say that we have been the very first such organization to have received his largesse—and that this brand, just voted by USA Today as the #1 craft tequila in the U.S., continues to donate the full line of T1 and their new Tears of Llorona Tequila.

 And, in 2010, the parent company of multiple award-winning Magave Tequila donated a check valued at just under $56,000.

At a live auction last year, just 12 bottles of Tequila, including those from Crotalo, The Bad Stuff, Dos Armadillos, Sangre de Vida, Leyendas de mi Pueblo and Fortaleza brought in +$14,0000.

Several companies are always among the first to support the Foundation including Beam Suntory, Brown- Forman, William Grant & Sons and Sazerac–most recently with a bottle of one of their O.F.C. very rare and collectable vintage-dated Bourbons soon to be auctioned
In time for the Holidays and helping to ensure future grants, one of our most loyal supporters, Martin Silver of Star Industries, best known for Georgi Vodka, made his annual $2,500 donation.

Please donate to the Foundation and help in our continued efforts. All denominations are welcome. Visit www.skyranchfoundation.org and link to the Support page to make your contribution.

We thank all of those who have been supporting the Foundation since 1961 and wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy & Prosperous New Year.

George McCarthy, Chairman

Ralph Aguera, President

NOTE: The outstanding list of company supporters can be accessed on our Support page (link here). If you made a donation and do not see your company listed here or are listed incorrectly, please contact Dori Bryant, Director of Partnership Development at doribryant@aol.com.

Oakland, California-based East Bay Children’s Law Offices, Inc. (EBCLO.org) is a nonprofit child advocacy organization, providing legal representation to children and youth who are the subject of abuse and neglect proceedings, delinquency proceedings and probate guardianship proceedings in Alameda County Courts. The EBCLO mission is to provide top notch holistic legal services to the most vulnerable children in their community. In 2015, 348 of their clients were reunited with their parents and their cases were closed.

One such success story is of two such children, Sean and Monica, ages nine and ten.

EBCLO: At first, it didn’t work out for them like they hoped.  Their dad relapsed after a short period of sobriety.  When they went back into foster care the second time, they were lucky enough to be able to return to the same foster home.  But more than anything, they wanted to have their dad sober again and to be reunited with him.  Others had their doubts about their father.  But Sean and Monica’s EBCLO lawyer made certain their voice was heard loud and clear.  Their dad did get sober and they did go home.  What made it all the more special is that Sean and Monica’s foster parents became a part of the children’s lives forever, still taking the kids camping after they had returned to their father’s home.  When communities come together for our kids, everyone wins.

From left to right, Kristin Mateer (Managing Attorney), Mike Donohoe (Sky Ranch Foundation℠), Susan Walsh (Interim Executive Director), Ana Wong (Finance Director) and Joy Ricardo (Managing Director).

Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ Vice President Mike Donohoe recently visited EBCLO offices and presented them with the Foundation’s $10,000 grant. “The EBCLO staff is avidly dedicated to assisting at-risk youth,” said Mr. Donohoe. “The Foundation continues to support organizations such as EBCLO, thanks to the support of the Beverage Alcohol Industry,” furthered Mr. Donohoe.

If you are involved with or know of any organization that fits our commitment, we encourage you to share our web site with them to apply for a grant.  While visiting, note that the Foundation now accepts direct donations via this link (www.skyranchfoundation.org/support/supporting-sky-ranch-foundation/). We thank those who have been supporting the Foundation since 1961.

George McCarthy, Chairman

Ralph Aguera, President

September 2016 –

“Every year during their yearly visit we have a reception where we invite the Sky Ranch staff, Juvenile Court Officers, Sky Ranch Behavioral Services partners, Therapists and Counselors, which gives Sky Ranch Behavioral Services and the Sky Ranch Foundation℠ a chance to network with everyone who is involved”, says Jeffrey R. Johnson, 27 year veteran and Director of Sky Ranch Behavioral Services. Further, he states, “I have been truly moved and inspired to be part of the generosity and commitment to the tradition of yesterday and the wisdom of tomorrow and to carry on the philosophies and ideals of the founders i.e. Sky Ranch Foundation℠

Foundation President Ralph Aguera and associates

Ralph Aguera, President and Mike Donohoe, Vice President, both of Sky Ranch Foundation℠ (skyranchfoundation.org) recently visited Iowa-based Sky Ranch Behavioral Services (skyranchbehavioralservices.org) “It is always encouraging to witness first-hand how Foundation grants serve to help at-risk youth and this organization does so exceptionally well”, says Mr. Aguera. “We have the highest respect for Mr. Johnson and his organization”, says Mr. Donohoe, “and thank him and his staff for their continued efforts, successfully working with juveniles and their families”.

Foundation Vice President Mike Donohoe and associates

If you are involved with or know of any organization that fits our commitment, we encourage you to share our web site with them to apply for a grant.  While visiting, note that the Foundation now accepts direct donations via this link (www.skyranchfoundation.org/support/supporting-sky-ranch-foundation/). We thank those who have been supporting the Foundation since 1961.

George McCarthy, Chairman

Ralph Aguera, President

About Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ and Sky Ranch For Boys ®

Since 2011, the Foundation ℠ has awarded $1.6 million in grants to organizations providing support for at-risk youth. Formed in 1961 and building on more than 55 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. If you involved with or know of any organization that would fit our commitment we encourage you to visit our web site www.skyranchfoundation.org and apply for a grant.

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 ℠

August 2016 –

Sky Ranch Foundation℠ (skyranchfoundation.org) and Sky Ranch for Boys® awarded Louisville, KY-based Boys and Girls Haven (boyshaven.org) a $10,000 grant. Since 1950, Boys & Girls Haven has transformed the lives of more than 3,500 abandoned, abused and neglected children. More than just a home, they provide stability, education, and new productive skills that will lead to success in adulthood.

“As integral to the success of having at-risk youth move on successfully to live fulfilling lives are the youth counselors who touch their hearts and help mold their futures”, says George McCarthy. One such counselor at the Haven, Mr. Ralph ‘Rome’ Kimbrough, has been ‘lighting up the stage’ on America’s Got Talent (even leaving Simon Cowell speechless)!  Making the 3^rd cut, watch his group ‘Linkin’ Bridge’ perform on Tuesday August 23 and vote for those who are making a difference.

Boys and Girls Haven Youth Counselor Ralph Kimbrough, appearing on Americas’s Got Talent with his group LINKIN’ BRIDGE has our support.

“Congratulations to Boys and Girls Haven for helping troubled youth for more than 55 years and to the youth counselors who are setting good examples for America’s youth”, notes Ralph Aguera.

If you are involved with or know of any organization that fits our commitment, we encourage you to share our web site with them to apply for a grant.  While visiting, note that the Foundation now accepts direct donations (skyranchfoundation.org/support/supporting-sky-ranch-foundation/).

George McCarthy, Chairman

Ralph Aguera, President

About Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ and Sky Ranch For Boys ®

Since 2011, the Foundation ℠ has awarded $1.6 million in grants to organizations providing support for at-risk youth. Formed in 1961 and building on more than 55 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. If you involved with or know of any organization that would fit our commitment we encourage you to visit our web site www.skyranchfoundation.org and apply for a grant.

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 ℠

The annual Board meeting of Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ (skyranchfoundation.org) took place on June 1 in New York City to address grant requests. Chairman George McCarthy (Corby Spirit and Wine) and President Ralph Aguera (Brown-Forman, retired.) presided.  In attendance were Vice Presidents Mike Donohoe (Jim Beam Brands, retired) and Peggy Donovan (Breakthru Beverage Group, retired) as well as Barry Becton of DIAGEO, Bill Slone of Beverage Media, John Bodnovich of American Beverage Licensees, Foundation Officer George Suttles, Jeffrey Fazio of Merril Lynch and Dori Bryant.

Back Row: John Bodnovich, George Suttles, Barry Becton, Mike Donohoe, Jeffrey Fazio;

Front Row: George McCarthy, Peggy Donovan, Dori Bryant, Ralph Aguera, Bill Slone

$140,000 in grant money was approved to support eight organizations that help at-risk youth across the country. Chicago-based Urban Initiatives, Mission, S.D.-based Boys and Girls Club of Rosebud and New York-based Red Hook Initiative were among the receiving organizations.

“The Foundation’s work continues through direct aid and monetary grants, with a focus on at-risk youth”, said George McCarthy. “We call upon the Beverage Alcohol Industry to actively participate, to ensure that the Foundation keeps giving back to these deserving organizations well into the future”, notes Ralph Aguera.

If you are involved with or know of any organization that fits our commitment, we encourage you to share our web site with them to apply for a grant.  While visiting, note that the Foundation now accepts direct donations (skyranchfoundation.org/support/supporting-sky-ranch-foundation/).

George McCarthy, Chairman

Ralph Aguera, President

About Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ and Sky Ranch For Boys ®

Since 2011, the Foundation ℠ has awarded $1.4 million 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. If you involved with or know of any organization that would fit our commitment we encourage you to visit our web site www.skyranchfoundation.org and apply for a grant.

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 ℠

Success breeds success and Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ (skyranchfoundation.org) and Sky Ranch for Boys ® cannot be prouder of the success of the organizations which have received grants from the Foundation through the years. With thanks to the Beverage Alcohol industry for their donations and loyal support, the Foundation can continue to grant moneys to organizations which help rehabilitate at-risk youth. Below are a few success stories of some of the youth that were served by a few of those grantees which received our funds. We are thankful that we can share a portion of their journeys.

‘sacred’ Sexually Abused Children’s Relief Endeavor (kidsaresacred.org)

Sarah’s story: ”I learned early in my childhood that there are very few people in this world that you can trust. I believed the same thing every 4 year old believed. Mommy and Daddy are good people and everything they do is right. But unfortunately, that isn’t always true. Read  more here.

SOS Children’s Villages (sosillinois.org)

Mary’s story: “Mary spent every day of her life in foster care until she was finally adopted at age 11. Tragically, 4 years later, her adopted mother passed away and she was shuffled back through the child welfare system. Read more here.

Boys and Girls Haven (boyshaven.org)

Nicks’s story: “I got put into foster care when I was seven years old. Actually, it was me, my older brother, my younger brother and my sister, all at the same time. We were split up and sent to four different foster homes. Read more here.

Red Hook Initiative (rhicenter.org)

Tyshame Reid got what he calls “a second chance” by taking on a number of different jobs at RHI after school, including Office Assistant, Peer Health Educator, Teen Chef Facilitator, and Radio Intern. The support he received year-round at RHI from an early age enabled Tyshame to graduate college at the same time he aged out of foster care. Read more here.

If you are involved with or know of any organization that fits our commitment, we encourage you to share our web site with them to apply for a grant.  While visiting, note that the Foundation now accepts donations (skyranchfoundation.org/support/supporting-sky-ranch-foundation/.

George McCarthy, Chairman

Ralph Aguera, President

NOTE: Sky Ranch Foundation has a Service Mark and Sky Ranch for Boys is trademarked.

Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ (skyranchfoundation.org) awarded a $25,000 grant to Louisville, KY-based Boys & Girls Haven (boyshaven.org) in 2015. Founded by Father Maloney in 1948 and for more than half a century, Boys & Girls Haven has transformed the lives of more than 3,500 abandoned, abused and neglected children. More than just a home, Boys & Girls Haven provides stability, education, and new productive skills that will lead to success in adulthood. In a time where more and more children find themselves growing up without the support of a loving family, Boys & Girls Haven provides a home and a future filled with promise.

Boys & Girls Haven has also grants from Target, Walmart, Ronald McDonald House Charities, GE and more; of particular note, among its corporate partners is Brown-Forman Corporation. Ralph Aguera (ret. Brown-Forman), President of Sky Ranch Foundation℠ notes, “This is the 3^rd time that the Foundation℠ has awarded a grant to this deserving organization. For kids who have grown up with nothing but abuse and neglect, Boys & Girls Haven has been a welcoming refuge”.

Foundation Board Members assemble annually to review LOIs (Letters of Inquiry); the next meeting will be held in June. If you are involved with an organization that fits the Foundation guidelines (see Grants section on website) or know of any organization, we encourage you to have them apply for a grant.

George McCarthy, Chairman

Ralph Aguera, President

About Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ and Sky Ranch For Boys ®

Since 2011, the Foundation ℠ has awarded $1.2 million 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. If you involved with or know of any organization that would fit our commitment we encourage you to visit our web site www.skyranchfoundation.org and apply for a grant.

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 ℠

SKY RANCH FOUNDATION ℠ AND SKY RANCH FOR BOYS ® AWARD GRANTS TO ‘SACRED’ AND CLUB FOR BOYS ORGANIZATION

Recently, two worthy organizations received grants totaling $15,000 from Sky Ranch Foundation℠ (skyranchfoundation.org).

National statistics tell us that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will fall victim to child sexual abuse before the age of 18. Leawood, Kansas-based ‘sacred’ Sexually Abused Children Relief Endeavor (kidsaresacred.org) exists so that all families in need, with a child who has been sexually abused, have access to transitional financial support and counseling. ‘sacred’ wishes to eliminate temporary financial concerns as one of the obstacles to reporting the abuse.

The Club for Boys Foundation focuses on providing financial stability for the Rapid City, South Dakota-based Club for Boys (hisfuture.org), so it can continue, and build on, the many successful programs it offers boys in their community. The Club for Boys has a half-century history of helping boys in need. Their mission and vision are to create positive experiences and give the boys resources that will help them develop to their fullest potential.

“We are pleased to award grants to these two fine organizations. Boys and girls have one chance at a childhood”, notes George McCarthy, Foundation Chairman. “With continued support to programs such as those noted above, these children will be given the tools necessary to lead productive and responsible lives”, says Foundation President Ralph Aguera.

About Sky Ranch Foundation ℠ and Sky Ranch For Boys ®

Since 2011, the Foundation ℠ has awarded $1.2 million 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. If you involved with or know of any organization that would fit our commitment we encourage you to visit our web site www.skyranchfoundation.org and apply for a grant.

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 ℠