Camp for special needs children

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Posted on April 8, 2007 print e-mail Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation Receives $1 Million Pledge Denny Sanford, a South Dakota businessman, has pledged a

$1 million matching gift to the Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation in Payson, Arizona, the Payson (Arizona) Roundup reports. Upon reaching its campaign goal, the organization, which provides year-round retreats for children with special needs and their families and caregivers, will use the funds to build a lodge and welcome center. The facilities will accommodate the needs of children dealing with physical or emotional challenges such as abuse and neglect, AIDS, autism, brain injury, burns, cancer, cerebral palsy, craniofacial conditions, Down syndrome, dwarfism, homelessness, kidney disease, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, or the loss of a loved one. The lodge will include a dining hall to accommodate 200 campers for family-style and buffet-style service, a commercial kitchen, restrooms, a stage for dramatic productions, a

gathering room, and meeting and activity space. The ranch is also a sanctuary for a hundred animal residents that were born with physical differences or have come from difficult circumstances. The unconditional affection of these animals provides a unique therapeutic experience for Whispering Hope Ranch campers. "Mr. Sanford is changing lives in immeasurable, far-reaching ways by his goodness, compassion and generosity," said ranch founder Diane Reid. "His significant gift to Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation will make this magical, healing place even more wonderful for thousands of children in need."

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