TheHealth&Happiness

H E R A L D

2012 Issue 1

Message from Victor and Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Double H Ranch Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Excerpt from the first Issue of The Round Up Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3And the Rest is History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5The Value of Volunteerism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–8, 141992–2012 Collage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Thank You Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Making Dreams a Reality for 20 Years Collage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12SeriousFun Children’s Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Charley’s Chalet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Winter 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Camper Sponsorship—Choose Your Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Founding DirectorsCharles R. Wood & Paul Newman

ChairmanVictor Hershaft

Board of DirectorsDerek Brown Charlene Wood CourtneyChristina FitzgeraldNeil Golub, Honorary Life ChairmanGeorge HearstTom IndoeKevin JohnsonKimberly Sanger Jones Robert LaughlinEd Lewi, Honorary Life Vice ChairmanEd MitzenJames Nickens, Jr.Agnes PompaVincent T. Riggi Walter Robb, TreasurerJohn RyanSheryl SchwartzRoss SheridanSandy ShermanKathy StrikerEd SwyerAnthony Tartaglia, MD, Vice ChairmanJames W. TaylorMichael Toohey Marian 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, FNPMarilyn Kacica, MD, MPHMartha Lepow, MDJennifer Pearce, MDDanielle Piazza, RD Michael Scher, MDMargaret Shea, RNClara 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

In This Issue

Message from Victor and MaxAs we celebrate a significant milestone in our history, we proudly

recognize the community for supporting the Double H Ranch for 20 years . Charley Wood shared a vision with Paul Newman and their dream became a reality in 1992 . Making Dreams a Reality for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses captures the essence of our business . Insuring that we provide the highest quality of service is paramount . As a leading not-for-profit in our community, we strive to meet or exceed the goals of our organization and we de-vote our resources and energies towards our inspirational kids . Provid-ing life-changing experiences in a magical environment is an opportu-nity for bringing joy into the lives of thousands of children and family members each year . The key ingredients to our success include gifted staff and volunteers, our competent and compassionate medical team, dedicated Board leadership and the generosity of our community .

The Double H Ranch provides specialized year-round services that combine creativity, challenge, success and FUN . As a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, we are part of the largest global family of camps that are privileged to impact the lives of children dealing with life-threatening illnesses - all FREE of charge to our campers and their families .

The children that have touched our lives have reminded us of many important realities . Life is a gift that is filled with opportuni-ties, challenges, constant change and dreams . Our team will always stay focused on what is best for our kids and we will work tirelessly to preserve and expand the legacy of our founders . We have ambitious goals ahead of us and building sustainability into the future is a priority for our kids and community . Every gift of support is important and appreciated!

Thank you for believing in our mission and for joining us in cel-ebrating our 20th year in Making Dreams a Reality . Our children and families are grateful for this opportunity to rejuvenate, share, celebrate, laugh and grow .

Health & Happiness,

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

1

2

1992 Charley met Paul in NYC

1992 First Gala1993

Discovery of the H tree

1993 July 4th served first 4 campers

1994 Affiliation with Albany Medical Center

1995 Arthur the Donkey

1996 High Ropes Course

1998 Adaptive Winter Sports Program

1999 Year-round Programming

1999 Bobcat Cabin Building

2002 Camp Inspiration

2002 Creation of Leaders and Legends

2003 ACA Accredited

2004 Charley Wood’s Passing

2007 New Discovery Program Building

2008 Charley’s Chalet

2008 Paul Newman’s Passing

2009 Dedication of Robb Run

2011 Archery Program

2011 Endowment Campaign Completed

2011 Hospital Outreach Program

2012 A SeriousFun Camp2

20 Years of Health and Happiness

33

Excerpt from Letter 95/96 The Round Up

Welcome to our first issue of the Double H Hole in

the Woods Ranch’s “The Round Up”.

We are so proud and happy to have completed

our third year of hosting children at the Ranch.

I have been very fortunate in my business through

the generosity of children and their families. Because

of this, it has become my desire in life to give less for-

tunate youngsters, the opportunity to feel the warmth

and care that they so deserve in their lives.

We are truly grateful to Max Yurenda, our devoted

Executive Director, and Dr. Kathleen Braico, our Medical

Director, who has been an inspiration to all of us. Heartfelt

thanks goes out to the generous donation of services from our

highly qualified doctors, nurses, volunteers and counselors

who comprise a family support system for the children.

So many generous people have helped us create a haven

on Lake Vanare, in Lake Luzerne, NY — one that can only

grow through the generosity and caring of friends like you.

I must also mention that without the financial and moral

assistance of Paul Newman, a truly warm philanthropic friend

who has guided us to this moment, the Double H could not

have been nurtured and grown.

Thank you to each and every one of you for taking the

time to open your hearts to these very special children. Let us

all continue to work together in bringing “Health & Happiness”

to all those touched by the Double H Ranch.

My Warmest Regards,

Charley Wood

Dear Friends

As we celebrate Making Dreams a Reality for the past 20 years we would be remiss in not tak-ing a few moments to hear from Ed Lewi, Honor-ary Life Vice Chairman, who has been involved with the Double H from the very beginning . Ed has played a significant role in the history of the Double H and continues to be an active Board Member in support of our courageous children and their families .

How did you become involved with the Double H Ranch?

Double H co-founder Charley Wood was my very close friend, mentor and a major part of our travel and social life . Charley had spoken many times about his legacy, and was very interested in children’s charities because the happy voices of children had permeated his amusement parks during his entire career in that industry . He was thankful for happy kids and happy families, and he wanted to “give back” to this segment of society . Charley was a most generous philan-thropist . We had many serious discussions on the significance of his contributions, and what they could mean to future generations of children .

Charley read an article about the wonderful experience Paul Newman was giving to seriously ill children at his camp in Connecticut, and wrote a letter to Paul, offering his beautiful land on Lake George as the site for a similar camp . Paul traveled to Lake George to visit Sun Castle where Charley’s home, villas and motel were located . Paul had one quick look and said that the steep terrain would not match the needs of kids requir-ing the use of wheelchairs and crutches .

While we were all in Florida that winter, Charley learned of the auction of Hidden Valley Dude Ranch in Lake Luzerne . We visited Paul at his Fifth Avenue office in New York, and ultimate-ly Paul and Charley each put in $1 million to get the new Ranch up and running . Charley named it the Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch, because he always toasted with the words “Health and Happiness”, and wanted to have an obvious tie to Paul’s Connecticut camp which was called “Hole in the Wall Gang Camp” .

What do you feel your greatest contribu-tion to the Double H has been?

I feel that the building of a truly outstanding Board of Directors was one of my initial—and

possibly greatest—contributions to the Double H Ranch . I felt strongly, and was able to convince Charley, that the Double H needed a Board made up of diverse and respected community leaders who could support and assist in various areas of expertise . The initial Board was made up of Charles R . Wood Foundation Board Members, and one of my first, VERY IMPORTANT, recollec-tions of a new Double H Board Member was Dr . Anthony (Tony) Tartaglia . He was a key addition to the Board, who spearheaded all of the medical needs—personnel, volunteers, facilities, proto-cols, etc . Without Tony’s expertise, we could not have become a respected facility for seriously ill children, nor have progressed any further in accomplishing our mission and Charley’s dream to serve hundreds of children .

What is your greatest/fondest memory of the Double H?

My fondest overall memories are of the children collectively having such a great time at the Double H, and doing so many activities that they had never thought possible . One day when I went to the Double H to see the new High Ropes Course, I saw a young boy who had lost his leg to cancer, suspended very high off the ground . My initial reaction was one of concern but, I quickly learned that I was the only one apprehensive . The youngster and Staff had the situation well in hand, and the boy was able to do what any other child could do on a course of this kind .

What motivates you to continue to support the Mission and campers of the Double H?

Just walking through the camp when it is in full operation gives one more-than-enough motivation to continue to support the Double H Ranch . And if that isn’t enough, a conversa-tion with the parent of a happy camper seals the motivational drive .

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

Double H has made me realize how lucky I am that I have healthy children and grandchil-dren, and it has made me thankful to have had more than 20 years of working with such dedi-cated staff . The staff commitment here is nothing short of miraculous .

4

And the Rest is History

5

What advice would you give someone interested in supporting the Double H?

Tour the Double H during operation, and you will know that you must help and become a part of this magical place .

From the perspective of the Honorary Life Vice Chairman, what do you hope for the Double H in the years ahead?

My hope for the Double H is that it will continue to grow and prosper, and that it will always have the kind of leadership that exists

today—from a Board level, from the Executive Administration and Staff, and from the many volunteers who are so very important to the Double H’s efficiency . I pray that it will continue to have the financial commitments from the generous donors who love the Double H, and that the Double H will continue to deeply inspire all of its friends and supporters, with the same zeal and commitment that Charley Wood had when he dreamed of the Double H and labored for its success, more than 20 years ago .

My memories of Paul’s many trips to the Double H are certainly fond ones . I remember one of Paul’s early trips where he leaned over and said into my ear, “Since you are in the PR business, I have a little job for you . Please let the adults know that I will be eating with the children” . It ended up a fun experience for the kids, and a big disappointment to many of the adults — especially to many of the women who just couldn’t stop themselves from staring at those blue eyes .

Ed Lewi, Board Member 1992–present and Honorary Life Vice Chairman

Ed and Maureen Lewi with Paul Newman

6

For over 20 years Double H has been Making Dreams a Reality for countless children and their families . Our organization has grown through new programs, exciting year-round initiatives, and with this growth the foundation to our success has remained the same — our loyal volunteers . Volunteers have given not only their time through vast hours, days even years of support, but they have given to Double H something more powerful than they can imagine . Our volunteers have given com-pletely of themselves, through their positive energy and generous spirit and in turn have been forever changed by the power of the Double H experience .

Looking back on 20 years many things might have evolved during this time . Our buildings look a bit different with new win-dows, roofs and a fresh coat of paint . The faces may have changed from those who began the journey in wagon-wheeled t-shirts in 1993 to the Magic Happens Here team of 2011, but what remains consistent is the true value of volunteerism and the important role it plays on the sustainability of an organization so key in the lives of many .

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

We Remember Quadraya S. 1988–20126

The Value of Volunteerism

7

We can all say that the Double H Ranch provides our campers, counselors and volunteers a week filled with laughter, some tears, and happiness, but the Double H ultimately provides a family . We give the campers the time of their lives and something to look forward to every year, but more importantly we give them a family for the rest of their lives and they give that to us too .

Matt Parker, Volunteer 2002– Present, Co-founder, with Camper Tim W. of

Parker Foundation for Health & Happiness www .parkerfoundationhh .org

7

8

Never once have I said, “This isn’t the place I should be volunteering” . People, who aren’t familiar with Double H may say, “Isn’t it depressing”— Absolutely Not!! We come away with so much more than we give . Once someone visits the Double H, they’re hooked . It’s such a magical place . You just never know what hat you’ll be wearing — it may be registration, fundraising, parties with the kids, tours of the camp, Arts & Crafts, helping in the dining hall, the kitchen at the lodge, the list goes on and on! They all are rewarding . 20 years, it just doesn’t seem possible — how time flies when you’re having fun!

Ron & Kathy Phelps, Volunteers 15 years

8

99

1992–2012

9

10

During the early years, one of the most significant and brilliant initial decisions Charley made was the hiring of Max Yurenda to run the camp . Charley called one day and was very excited after speak-ing with Max . That evening, Charley and I called Max and had a lengthy telephone discussion from Marylou Whitney’s den . I remember the evening well . It was abundantly clear, right from day one, that there could not have been a better, or more perfect leader, for this important, fun facility for kids . And so it was that the Double H Ranch was born, and Charley’s dream began to take shape .

Ed Lewi, Board Member, Honorary Life Vice Chairman10

11

Save the DateJune 1st Saratoga Partners Boogie Off BroadwayHistoric Victoria Pool, Saratoga SpringsJoin the Partners of Saratoga for An Evening in Paradise themed Boogie Off Broadway cocktail party . This year’s event will include savory cuisine catered by Catherine’s in the Park, an open bar, and dancing with “Groove Therapy” . We invite you to dress in Chic Island Attire and dance the night away all to support the campers of the Double H .

11

September 8th Camp Challenge Ride or RunDouble H Ranch, Lake Luzerne Join us for our 3rd Annual Camp Challenge Ride or 1st Annual 5k Ranch-Terra Trail Run . Register as an individual or as a team with friends, family or co-workers . Once registered you will receive your own fundraising webpage, training tips and team apparel . All participants are invited to a post event BBQ celebration . Challenge yourself, change the life of a child .

June 29th Annual GalaGreat Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, Lake GeorgeThis year’s western themed Gala will feature both silent and live auctions, a performance by Manhattan Transfer and the Chuckwagon Challenge (a special Culinary Contest for Amateur Chefs) . Following dinner, The Great Escape rides and games are open exclusively to guests of the Double H Ranch .

www.doublehranch.org

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out our online Calendar and Event Registration

at www.doublehranch.org.

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

New Double H Ranch Webpage Coming Soon!

12

Making Dreams a Reality for 20 years

12

13

It’s official! The Double H Ranch is now a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network . Our logo and member name may be changing but what won’t change is our dedication and high quality of care we provide our campers and their families!

The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, a growing global community of innovative camps and programs for children with serious illnesses founded by Paul Newman, has changed its name to SeriousFun Children’s Network .

The new name underscores Paul Newman’s passionate belief in the power of taking fun seriously and more broadly represents the organization’s expanding global reach .

With a new strategic plan for elevating global awareness and encouraging charitable donations, SeriousFun Children’s Network aims to strengthen support and bring Paul Newman’s vision to new corners of the world . A renewed focus on cultivating relationships with national and global corporations will be instrumental in continuing SeriousFun’s growth and excellence worldwide .

Join us as we celebrate our new logo and our new member name .

13

SeriousFun Children’s Network

14

It seems like yesterday that I walked onto the grounds of the Double H as a fairly new nurse, in won-der and amazement of the things that happened at camp . My first impression was a feeling of pure joy and how happy I felt to be seeing the things the kids were doing . I work in a very busy in-patient setting, the kids are sometimes very sick and to see those same kids on the high ropes or singing in a talent show is a joy, I’m not sure I can ever explain! I am able to come to Albany Med everyday be-cause of the time I spend at camp!! I am the nurse I am today because of camp and I cannot imagine my life without Double H in it!

Janine Cantalupo, Volunteer Nurse 1993–Present

15

Charley’s Chalet

15

In 2008, with support provided by the Charles R . Wood Foundation, many local contrac-tors, and the former, Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, we were able to expand our ski chalet to meet the growing popularity of our Adaptive Winter Sports Program . The new build-ing, appropriately named Charley’s Chalet is triple in size, enabled us to increase student participa-tion and allows us to continue to meet the needs of our winter students and their families . With the support of more than 150 dedicated winter volun-teers, National Ski Patrol, lodge hosts, and financial dedication of our donors, we continue to expand on our one-of-a-kind program and continue to provide the magic of snow to our deserving children .

NEW• Night skiing and themed weekends• Serves children who are visually impaired• Children who are Ventilator Dependant experience

the magic of snow• Addition of a Conveyor Lift to provide a safe and

easy way up the beginner hill for instruction

Now• Serves 30 students per day• Total lessons (students and families) in 2012 was 1082• Served 60 families for Family Sleepover Weekends • 5,300 sq. ft footprint

Before Charley’s Chalet• Served 15 students per day• Total lessons (students and families) in 2005 was 470• Served 35 families for Family Sleepover Weekends• 2,000 sq. ft. footprint

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

16

While ski resorts across the northeast were grappling with warm temperatures and lack of snow, magic was happening on the slopes at Double H . Despite the mild winter, our snow-making efforts proved to be state of the art and we were able to ski through March with over 25 teaching days serving over 200 children . With the addition of the conveyor lift, this year our dedicated volunteer instructors reached a Double H milestone- teaching over 1,000 lessons to students, siblings and their parents . This is an incredible accomplishment for the 2012 winter team that could not have been made possible without the support of 160 volunteer ski & snow-board instructors, 25 lodge hosts and equipment room staff, and the support of the National Ski Patrol .

So while the snow has melted and our students are trading in their skis and snowboards for ropes course helmets, the experience of winter at camp remains in the hearts of all those who spent time in the hustle and bustle of the lodge or the thrill of Robb Run .

Winter 2012

1717

Each summer at the Double H Ranch more than 900 kids dealing with a life-threatening illness enjoy a carefree summer camp experience.

They come to camp, free of charge— It’s YOUR DONATION that makes camp possible.

Last year you led the way by sponsoring campers for a morning or week at camp, and we met Year One of a three-year Challenge presented by The SeriousFun Children’s Network, and received a $20,000 grant.

In Year Two of this Challenge, we are asking steadfast sponsors to stay on track and new sponsors to Choose Your Path by sponsoring a child for $125/a morning or $1,800/a weekat camp.

By sticking together we will achieve a$30,000 grant from the SeriousFunChildren’s Network this year.

Their bags are packed. Sponsor a camper today!

make a camper happy,be a happy CAMPER

Choose a path and Blaze a Trail by calling Linda Smith at (518) 696-5921, ext. 238

or click on BLAZE A TRAIL at www.doublehranch.org

Dou

ble

H R

anch

97 H

idde

n Va

lley

Road

Lake

Luz

erne

, NY

1284

6-33

18

ww

w .d

oubl

ehra

nch .

org