Founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul NewmanFounded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman

Message from Victor and Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Summer 2010 Fun Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4–5Wish Boat Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8–9What does Double H mean to you? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Hospital Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Value of Volunteerism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14We Remember Our Campers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Sponsor a Winter Sports Enthusiast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

In This Issue

Founding DirectorsCharles R. Wood & Paul Newman

ChairmanVictor Hershaft

DirectorsBob Bailey Charlene Wood CourtneyChristina FitzgeraldJohn ForesterNeil Golub, Honorary Life ChairmanGeorge HearstTom IndoeKevin JohnsonKimberly Sanger JonesRobert LaughlinJo-Ann LefnerEd Lewi, Honorary Life Vice ChairmanEd MitzenAgnes PompaVincent Riggi Walter Robb, TreasurerJohn RyanSheryl SchwartzRoss SheridanSandy ShermanKathy StrikerEd SwyerAnthony Tartaglia, MD, Vice ChairmanJames W. TaylorMarian Wolgin, SecretaryJosie Beckos-Wood

Executive Director/CEOMax J. Yurenda

Emeritus DirectorsRobert Dorfman, Esq. & CPAUrsula GwynneA.E. HotchnerDr. Sam Ross, Jr.Floyd H. Rourke

Medical Advisory BoardKathleen Braico, MD, Medical DirectorEmo Castle, BS, RN, EMT-P, Nursing DirectorJacquline Bovair, RNTimothy Carey, RRTTina Facteau, BSNGerard Florio, PhDDorothy Grover, RPTGinelle Jones, RN, FNPJodi Green, RRTMarilyn Kacica, MD, MPHMartha Lepow, MDLeigh McCormickJennifer Pearce, MDDanielle Piazza, RDMichael Scher, MDMargaret Shea, RNNancy Shishik, RPhClara E. Somoza, D.O.Robert Sponzo, MDAnthony Tartaglia, MDRaymond Walsh, MD

Newsletter ContributorsEditor: Kimberly ChecchiaGraphic Design: APROPOS Design Solutions

Contact UsDouble H Ranch97 Hidden Valley RoadLake Luzerne, NY 12846-3318Tel: (518) 696-5676 Fax: (518) 696-4528Development Office: Tel: (518) 696-5921 Fax: (518) 696-7186www.doublehranch.org

A publicly supported 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. The Double H Ranch is a participating member of SEFA: Capital Region #5000123Central New York #8700242

Message from Victor and MaxIn this ever changing world, it is reassuring to know that some

things in life remain consistent. One of these constants is the posi-tive impact our programs have on the lives of the children and their families who depend on our support. Our mission is compelling and the business we are in is a serious one. Our team of staff, volun-teers and the community have committed their time, talents and resources to ensure that the Double H Ranch continues to flourish now and into the future. Each helping to make our campers wishes come true year-round at the Double H.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of 18 years we must never forget those who helped to bring us to where we are today. We celebrate the present and are enthusiastically planning for the future. Our founding father, Charley Wood was instrumental in convincing Paul Newman that developing a second Hole in the Wall Camp would add great value to the lives of so many more children in need. As a member of the largest global family of specialized camps in the world, together, our family of camps touches the hearts of over 42,000 children each year and we continue to grow stronger as a unified team.

The Double H Ranch is a blessed charity, but like most not-for-profits we must work tirelessly to meet our ambitious goals each year. We are honored to be recognized by our community as an organization that is changing life for the betterment of the future. Building financial sustainability and program capacity are para-mount and as we strategically plan for the future, we are excited about the creative approach our team is taking for the enhance-ment of our organization, our community and most importantly, the amazing children that we are privileged to work with.

With continued strong Board leadership, a dedicated staff, gen-erous donors and powerful volunteer base of support along with a dose of luck, we will proudly fulfill the wishes of Charley and Paul and even more significantly, our amazing kids.

Health & Happiness,

Victor Hershaft Max YurendaChairman of the Board CEO/Executive DirectorTel: (914) 273-5395 Tel: (518) 696-5676, ext. 224Email: vhershaft@aol.com Email: myurenda@doublehranch.org

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Summer 2010

Fun Facts

Countless smiles, lifelong friendships and memories made at the Double H.

53 days of Summer

Residential Camp

12 campers attended Camp Inspiration

for children who are ventilator dependant

7 regular summer sessions and

1 alumni session

752 campers served, of those 174 were new to Double H318 bales of hay used

850 horse rides

25 dozen horse treat cookies were baked

1,200 band aids were applied with a smile

150 medical treatments given

198 factor infusions completed with 10 campers learning to self infuse

525 batches of slime made in Discovery

305 times counselors got wet at the carnival Dunk Tank

54 games of basketball

600 zips down the zip line at High Ropes

12 outdoor campouts

4 indoor campouts

500 painted wooden fish at Arts & Crafts

45 Justin Bieber inspired

Talent Show Acts

7 nights of Make Your Own Pizza

950 Piggy Back Rides

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Dream Big in 2010

The Double H Ranch Facilities Department continually has a “to-do” list several pages long and it is through the hard work and expertise of our staff that we are able to continue to receive commendable outcomes in all of our regulatory inspections in order to provide our campers with childhood experiences in a safe and hazard free environment. In addition to our skilled workers we rely on the support of many dedicated ‘help-ing hands’ to ready the grounds and cabins for the arrival of our campers in the spring and the closing of our buildings in the fall.

Double H Ranch Helping Hands Work Days have become a valuable opportunity for local community groups, businesses, schools and individuals to support the Double H. During the Spring 2010 Helping Hands Work Days we benefited from the volunteerism of 730 individu-als who helped with housekeeping and facility projects in preparation for Summer 2010. One such group who supported our campers through offering their ‘helping hands’ was National Grid. Over the past 12 years National Grid (Queens-bury and Albany) and the National Grid Founda-tion has donated almost $40,000 in support of our programs and our campers. Workers have also donated their time by participating in work days and most recently the National Grid Earth Day here at the Double H. In recognition of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, 90 local National Grid employees and company officials partici-pated in a day of volunteering at the Double H.

Facilities—Wishes Come True Thanks to nationalgrid

It was an amazing sight to see how quickly and professionally projects such as leaf clearing, tree trimming, trail creation and grounds mainte-nance were completed. The Double H grounds were in perfect condition as we welcomed in our Summer 2010 campers. On behalf of the Double H campers and their families we thank National Grid for making our wishes come true.

“When I think about what Double H means to me I think of an organization which provides so much hope, happiness and love to children who are trying so hard to overcome their chal-lenges. Double H and National Grid have a long history of working together and I cannot say enough about how much personal satisfaction our employees receive from this participation knowing that they have made at least a small contribution to making the lives of Double H campers just a little bit better.”

William Flaherty, Regional Executive

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Check Presentation: Max Yurenda, Kim Checchia, Senator Betty Little and William Flaherty

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“We are proud to be able to support the children at Double H Ranch. It was an honor to be part of something so special by helping the Double H with their spring clean-up for our Earth Day effort. National Grid and its employees care for the communities we serve and are dedicated to them in so many ways. Our annual employee volunteer day takes place around Earth Day each year and focuses on a ‘green’ volunteer project. Being able to help clean and prepare the Double H Ranch last Spring was a great way to take care of our planet, and to give something back to chil-dren who need something positive in their lives.”

Susan Crossett, Vice President of Community Investment

“To me, it is the incredible camp counselors and staff at Double H that make every camper’s wish come true. They break down barriers these children face every day to give them one week to feel like and play like every other kid. I hope National Grid’s clean-up efforts on Earth Day allowed the counselors and staff to focus on cre-ating unforgettable experiences for the campers, not removing brush, sticks, trees and rocks that create barriers they work so hard to break down.”

Stacey Hughes, Lead Account Manager, National Grid

“Working at the Double H camp made me very much aware that we need each other. Feel-ing bereft from the recent death of my husband, the physical labor at the camp, and working with my friends and colleagues helped ease my personal pain. And our work that day helped the camp, and the children who attend the camp.”

Sue Nealon, Senior Account Manager

“Double H means a chance, a hope, a dream. To be a part of bringing any of those feelings to the kids at the camp brings satisfaction. I’m proud that my National Grid coworkers and I had the opportunity to be a part of this experience.”

Lisa Wemple, Administrative Assistant

“National Grid employees do good things in their community every day. They not only bring natural gas and electricity to people’s homes, they live in those communities in which they serve. Helping clean up the grounds at the Double H Ranch this year was the type of oppor-tunity our employees take pride in doing.”

Patrick Stella, Media Relations Representative

Conrad Fleischmann, Director of Facilities, can be reached by calling (518) 696-5676, ext. 240 or emailing cfleischmann@doublehranch.org.

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I love Double H because it’s not school. It’s all free time to have lots of fun with friends.

—Camper Kieran J. My husband and I love Double H because the camp and counselors go the extra mile to make sure it’s the best week of the whole summer for Kieran—from the ropes course, to Great Escape, to campfires and silly songs—the experience is unbelievable and special.

—Keirsten, Camper Parent 6

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”

The spirit of Double H can forever be found in the hearts of our campers past, present and future. During their stay at the Double H our campers are encouraged to have fun, express themselves, challenge their limits, face their fears, and overcome adversity all while doing so in the caring and capable hands of our counselors, medical team, volunteers and Double H staff. The light that shines in our campers can be recog-nized in the lifelong friendships formed and ev-erlasting memories made here at the Double H. A representation of this light and a symbol of the promise our co-founders Charley Wood and Paul Newman made to our campers can be found in the fire that lights our lantern and stays shining at the center of camp throughout each session.

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on. For, it won’t be long ‘til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on.”

On the last night of each session our camp-ers gather at the waterfront to participate in an intimate and reflective Closing Wish Boat Cer-emony. Throughout the week at Double H, each cabin constructs a Wish Boat out of all natural materials such as leaves, tree bark, flowers and twigs. The creation of the Wish Boat further en-hances the bonds formed between cabin mates and encourages unity as camp will soon be coming to a close. As part of the tradition, each camper makes a wish that is written on a piece of birch bark and placed on the boat. Wishes are as unique as our campers. One camper wishes she could stay at Double H forever, while another wishes for a happy year ahead. Our campers’ wishes are usually those any young child might make but are also often as powerful as “I wish I wasn’t sick anymore.”

“Campers we adore you, place in our hearts for you, How we love you.”

Once darkness falls on the last night of camp, graduating campers are selected from each cabin to carry the lantern down from the Talent Show to the lakeside waterfront. Each cabin gathers in small groups along the shore behind their cabin signs as they await the light-ing of the Wish Boats.

The lantern which carries the fire from the opening campfire is used to light each cabin’s Wish Boat as they are released onto the lake. As the ceremony continues a low chorus of voices can be heard singing our three camp songs— This Little Light of Mine, Lean On Me and Camp-ers We Adore You.

Much like our co-founders whose vision made possible the magic of the Double H, we are entrusted with the privilege of making our camp-ers’ wishes come true each day at the Double H. It is through the dedication and support of many that we are able to provide lasting memories and wishes granted to so many deserving children. As 2010 comes to a close, please join us as we continue to make our campers wishes come true by sharing with them the spirit of the Double H. 7

Dream Big in 2010A Wish Come True

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Our Development team is on track with meeting our ambitious financial goals for 2010 and it is because of YOU that we continue to make our campers wishes come true. As we head into the fourth quarter we are able to look back over a very successful fundraising event season. In May we hosted our Charity Golf Classic, in June our Annual Gala, and new this year in September our Camp Challenge Ride. We also hosted several very successful Partners Events and were the recipients of many Fundraising by Friends initia-tives. Our Camper Sponsorship appeal changed the game for our campers by raising funds to provide experiences and memories that will last a life-time.

We are grateful to the many supporters of our year-round programming as without their support we would not be able to continue to provide life-changing programs to our coura-geous children. One such dedicated supporter, John Ryan, is counting down the days till the Adaptive Winter Sports Program and shares with us his story of what it means to him as he provides Double H Ski Enthusiasts the chance to experience the magic of snow on the slopes at Double H.

John Ryan, President of Powmat Ltd., has been affiliated with the Double H Ranch for the past seven years. After a personal experience with adaptive skiing, John’s interest in becoming certified to ski a bi-ski brought him to the Double H Adaptive Winter Sports Program. Three years ago John became a member of the Double H Board of Directors and continues to be a very committed and dedicated supporter of the Mis-sion and campers of the Double H.

What does Double H mean to you?When asked what the Double H means to

him, John offers a quote by Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” He expresses that never before in his life has he been able to have such an impact on a child’s life. To the staff, volunteers, campers and their families the Double H is so much more than a camp where children go for a day of skiing or a week of camping in the woods. It’s a place where children can come and not be judged by their diagnosis or their limitations. John finds comfort in the fact that at the Double H our campers and ski students are able to meet other children who have similar diagno-sis and are able to experience the joys of childhood as they should. He states, “Our chil-dren spend too much time in doctors’ offices and hospitals; they need some time to just be kids. They get to try skiing and snowboarding in a safe and controlled environment. Rather than tell them what they can’t do we show them what they can do and these kids can do a lot.”

John recalls one of his most recent visits to the Double H this past winter when he and a fellow instructor were working with a young man named Chris, who is on the Autism Spectrum. John recalls that when he introduced himself to Chris and his family, Chris did not make eye contact with him, which is not uncommon based on his diagnosis. As John proceeded to explain to Chris the goals for the day, his co-instructor introduced herself and to everyone’s pleasant surprise Chris turned and looked at her and a connection was made. Throughout the morn-ing with the use of the adaptive equipment and

Development—Wishes Come True Because of YOU!

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year on that very first day of training. I had some very good instructors who helped put my mind at ease and taught me many of the skills that I am now passing on to new instructors. The more trained instructors we have, the more children we can serve and that’s why we are all here!

What do you feel is you’re most important role as a member of the Board of Directors?

Educating people and corporations about our Mission and the amazing things the Double H is able to do for the children we serve. Before you can ask a corporation or individual to invest in Double H they need to understand exactly what their investment will do for our children.

At the Double H we strive to make wishes come true—what does that mean to you in relation to our camp-ers and our Mission?

At the Ranch, it’s all about the children! Many of our campers have had to structure their lives around treatments. They have missed out on a lot of opportunities as a result. When they come to the Ranch they get to choose the activi-ties they want to do. The staff then schedules each child’s treatments or administers medica-tions around the activities. For the first time in many of these children’s lives, they get to focus on just being a kid and having fun!

Eileen Nash, Director of Development, can be reached by calling (518) 696-5921, ext. 226 or emailing enash@doublehranch.org.

tethers Chris progressed through his lessons and after lunch the Director of the program sug-gested to John that he allow Chris more freedom as he was progressing at a much faster pace than originally anticipated. Throughout the afternoon lessons, trust and confidence were slowly built and by the end of the day when John asked Chris to lead with confidence, off he went. He was able to ski on his own down the hill without falling and under his own control. That day Chris took three runs by himself completely independent. John recalls, “Chris’ mom said it was one of the best days of her life. At the end of the day Chris came over and stood by me. I thanked him for skiing with me and told him how proud I was of him. He looked me in the eye and said HUG! I gave Chris a big hug—what a day!”

What motivates you to continue to support the Double H Ranch?

The children! These children have been dealt a very difficult hand in life. Though they have every right to complain they seldom do. They just want to be kids and have fun! The determination and enthusiasm they bring to the program is amazing. The Double H is a very posi-tive environment with a lot of laughter. There are tears but mostly tears of joy from the parents or instructors when a child exceeds everyone’s ex-pectations. I have not made it through a season without shedding a tear of joy for a child and I don’t think I ever will.

What impact has the Double H had on you either professionally or personally?

As Gwen Allard once said “The Double H changes lives.” You cannot spend time at the Double H without it affecting you. As a volunteer you go to the Ranch with the hopes of having a positive impact on a child’s life and find that the children return the favor tenfold. Many days as I leave the Ranch I ask myself, was I the teacher or the student today? When things get hectic at work all I have to do is look over my shoulder at the pictures of kids I have skied with over the years and I can’t help but smile.

What do you feel your greatest con-tribution to the Double H has been?

Though I love the one on one time with the children, I feel that spending time helping to train new instructors is most important. I re-member only too well how anxious I was my first

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What does Double H mean to you?

A place where my disability does not limit me — Emma M. Session 2

Happiness and Unconditional Love —Catie K. Session 3

Being myself and not worrying about what people say — Grace S. Session 4

The world, my sanctuary… heaven — Robert M. Session 4

Heaven on Earth — Morgan M. Session 4Hope — Kevin A. Session 4

What did you learn about yourself

while at Double H? There are lots of kids that go

through what I do — Jocelyn G. Session 3I am brave —Syriah P. Session 6If you believe, you can do it

—Haily K. Session 6I can do anything I want

if I set my mind to it —Noah P. Session 6You just have to be yourself and

people will love you — Rachel G. Session 7There is always help and hope

—Isaiah M. Session 8

“We spend our lives trying to get our daughter, Fadia, to conform to society’s norms. Here, she is the norm! We could finally stop worrying about offending or intruding upon anyone and simply relax and have fun! We are so thankful to spend time with other families who truly understand our daughter’s struggles and celebrate her

accomplishments. Words cannot express how refreshed and joyful we feel after spending time at Double H!” Winter Sports Enthusiast Parent

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Each summer, Double H welcomes in 30 hospital partners from as close as Albany, NY to as far away as Chicago, IL. In 2010, close to 400 children arrived to camp through the support of their hospital and the incredible nurses, social workers and child life spe-cialists. They make the long journey to camp each summer alongside children they may only see in the hospital clinic, but who quickly become their friends. Over 50% of the total summer camp population are children organized through our hospital partners.

Summer 2010 began with a new hospital group from Hope Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. After an early three hour plane ride, 14 campers living with sickle cell anemia arrived at Double H for their week in the woods. For many, this was their first time on an airplane and to New York. “The feedback I’ve received from the patients is even better than I could’ve dreamed. They still are singing songs they learned at camp when they come see us in the clinic!” Nurse Coordinator

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Double H Ranch proudly hosts over 15 fam-ily programs throughout the winter, spring, and fall months. Family Programming began six years

ago as a way for the entire family to experience the joys of camp. These weekend retreats provide an opportunity for families to experience not only the traditional fun camp activities, but also a time to reflect and educate one another on living with an illness. The programs range from bereave-ment camps to camps for children newly diagnosed with cancer, and at the heart of them all lies un-conditional love and sup-port and an opportunity to just enjoy time together as a family. The families focus on making memo-ries and finding support in each other.

This past fall I had the privilege of spend-ing time with incredible families during Rosie’s Love Memorial, a program for families who have lost a child to cancer. It is often during these weekend retreats that I have the opportunity to hear the stories and see firsthand the difference Double H makes in the lives of our children and their families. One of those moments was watching 6-year-old Ben climb the High Ropes Course, as his Dad cheered from the platform up in the trees. His mom watched on with tears in her eyes and shared with me that, “I haven’t seen that light in my son’s eyes since before his baby brother died.”

Operations—Wishes Come True Year-Round at Double HA childhood

illness not only impacts the life of a child, but it grips an entire family. These weekends are de-signed to provide respite from the realities of living with an illness and an oppor-tunity to enjoy time together as a family. After just a few short days on site, families from across the Northeast

will thank us for allowing them to experience the magic found at Double H. Most importantly they wonder where we find such incredible Family Pals! A volunteer Family Pal allows all of our fami-lies a moment to DREAM BIG and helps make our campers and their families’

wishes come true. These volunteers are here just for the weekend, but in that time may help encourage the families down the ropes course, to dance in a talent show act, find extra blankets for the cabins or to simply be there for our families from the moment they step on the grounds till their cars pull off Hidden Valley Road headed home. Somewhere between the beautiful chaos of summer and the cold rush of winter, lies the hidden gem of Double H Family Programming and we are grate-ful for our Family Pals who continue to make our wishes come true year-round at the Double H.

Jacqui Royael, Director of Operations, can be reached by calling (518) 696-5676, ext. 225 or emailing jroyael@doublehranch.org.

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Value of VolunteerismVolunteerism is the foundation of Double

H. Our volunteers from each season rise to the challenge and help support our mission in a multitude of ways. From our summer session volunteers, who give a week of their time to help make our campers wishes a reality, to the gen-eral volunteers, who help each week at Double H with all those behind the scenes tasks that make Double H possible—each give selflessly to our program and we are forever grateful for our community of volunteers.

Summer 2010—Over 60 day volunteers, 74 medical volunteers, 180 session volunteers for a total of over 39,984 volunteer hours! And that’s not even counting the many work day volunteers or volunteers who helped out in the Development Department or at our events.

For more information on how you can become a volunteer visit www.doublehranch.org.

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Double H is a “Magical Place” that fosters children’s abilities and strengths to learn and be creative, to explore and be adventurous, and most of all laugh and have fun!

– Hank Lenney, Adaptive Winter Sports Volunteer 15

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We RememberKatlyn M. 1986–2010 • Milford G. 1987–2010 • Kenny G. 1994–2010

Wishes come true as the magic

continues on the Double H slopes

“The Double H is something you have to feel, that can’t be described with words.”

—Camper Alex T.

January 12, 201111th Annual Tuscan Dinner, Glen Sanders Mansion

May 6th & 7th, 201110th Annual Charity Golf Classic, Sagamore Golf Course

Follow the Double H Ranch on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter at www.doublehranch.org.

Upcoming Events—Save the Date Check out our online Calendar and Event Registration at www.doublehranch.org

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Sponsor a Winter Sports Enthusiast

Double H Ranch Winter Sports Enthusiast parents all have at least one thing in common, the over-whelming sense of pride they feel as they watch their child ski or snow-board down the slopes at the Double H with a confident smile of knowing that anything is possible.

Because of your support, during the 2010 winter season the Adaptive Winter Sports program served 183 students, an average of 20 students per day, and instructors taught over 850 lessons to children and their families.

By committing to a Winter Sports Enthusiast Sponsorship for the 2011 season, you are giving Double H kids and families the chance to experience the magic of the Double H Ranch in the winter time. Your dollars go to the development and purchase of adaptive sports equipment, Professional Instructors of America training, snowmaking and grooming, food, electricity, insurance and programming expenses. Student sponsorship opportunities range from $50 for a day on the slopes to $600 for a season on the slopes. For more information, call Linda Smith, (518) 696-5921, ext. 238 or email lsmith@doublehranch.org. Donate online at www.doublehranch.org.

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Wishes come true as the magic

continues on the Double H slopes

Upcoming Events—Save the Date Check out our online Calendar and Event Registration at www.doublehranch.org

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