Donna Riley, center at lectern; Carolyn Layfield, left; Eddie Staub, navy shirt; and Bruce Shortell. Photo: provided by Eagle Ranch
Eagle Ranch was only nine years old when University Yacht Club (UYC) Commodore Caleb Clarke followed up on a simple suggestion from another club member 30 years ago.
“Several of our members were involved at Eagle Ranch (a Christ-centered nonprofit organization) and in fact one couple gave up their jobs to become houseparents there,” said Clarke, who is now assistant chaplain and chaplain of the Junior Sailing Fleet of the Bulloch Chapel Committee. “The chair of the Bulloch Chapel committee came to the board and suggested that we become involved with Eagle Ranch. When we presented the idea the membership jumped on the idea, suggesting that the Sunday offering each week be donated to the Ranch.”
Thirty years later, the bond between the members of University Yacht Club and Eagle Ranch’s administration, staff and residents has strengthened to become much more than an annual donation of funds.
“The relationship with University Yacht Club is so rich in its history,” said Kelly Brewer, director of development and outreach at Eagle Ranch. “Their commitment and kindness to our children, families and mission is a big blessing.”
Club members have been invited to events at Eagle Ranch. Board members have toured the campus, including the six homes that provide a family atmosphere for 30 children, recreational facilities and the campus chapel.
Staff and family members are all smiles on the boat ride. Photo: by Jerry Reeves
For the past 30 years, on the Sunday closest to July 4, Eagle Ranch Founder Eddie Staub comes to the Bulloch Chapel to preach and to thank club members for their continued support of the ranch’s programs and missions. Sometimes former residents of Eagle Ranch share their stories, now that they are adults and on their own.
“It’s always one of our best-attended chapel services,” Clarke said. “All of our members are so supportive of the mission of Eagle Ranch; that’s the time we present the annual check to Eddie.”
Sometimes members of the staff, residents and other representatives of Eagle Ranch attend on that mid-summer Sunday along with UYC members.
The relationship includes a partnership with the UYC Maritime Foundation and America’s Boating Club that for the past three years has taught Eagle Ranch residents to sail through the club’s Junior Sailing Program.
“Giving Eagle Ranch residents the opportunity to experience sailing and boating is making an amazing difference in the relationship between Eagle Ranch and UYC,” said Rick Smith, chair of the UYC Junior Sailing Program. “The program has been really successful. Many of these young people had never been on a boat, much less a sailboat. And it’s a chance to take our relationship with Eagle Ranch to another level.”
This year has been a benchmark for the relationship, especially when at the end of June UYC created a special event inviting all Eagle Ranch administration, staff and residents to join with UYC members on Sunday, June 23.
“When we realized we’d nurtured this amazing mutual relationship for the past 30 years, some of us decided to make it a big deal, a Big Deal,” Smith said. “The Eagle Ranch Appreciation Day included a full schedule of activities and everyone turned out. Coincidentally, it was the first day of the Eagle Ranch Junior Sailing program, so it was even more incredible.”
Eden and Furman Combes are honored at the chapel service. Photo: provided by UYC
The Eagle Ranch Appreciation Day began with a service in Bulloch, attended by nearly 80 people – a combination of Eagle Ranch administration, houseparents, staff and residents and University Yacht Club members.
Eden and Furman Combes – he was the chair of the chapel committee 30 years ago – were honored. Clarke and Bruce Shortell, UYC Chaplain, shared the pulpit and delivered inspiring messages.
Members and guests enjoyed Sunday brunch before Clarke joined the first day of the Eagle Ranch Junior Sailing program to bless the fleet, sailors and instructors.
“The guests from Eagle Ranch were treated to boat rides around the lake,” Smith said. “Members Donna Riley and Pat McGrath and Betsy and Craig Wolf took staff and residents on their cruisers, providing snacks and beverages. The guests also spent time on the beach and swam.”
Riley recalled when she first met Staub in the early 1980s. “He had recently moved here and I met him through a mutual friend,” she said. “He shared his vision with me of opening a boys ranch for troubled kids.
“Several years later, we met up again at Bulloch Chapel and I realized how God had worked through Eddie, opening the right doors at the right time to make his vision of Eagle Ranch so successful. His faith is so strong and he is still creating ways to save the lives of these kids and their families through the programs at Eagle Ranch.”
Staub founded Eagle Ranch in 1985, opening the first house for boys. Sixteen years later the first girl’s home was opened.
“Eddie and the Eagle Ranch mission and vision has always inspired me,” said Riley, co-chair of the chapel committee with Carolyn Layfield.
In addition to July 4th, BC reaches out at other times of the year as well. To commemorate the relationship Eddie Staub presented the organization with a 2-foot by 2-foot flag stone, etched with the verse from Isaiah 40:13, the founding verse for Eagle Ranch:
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings as Eagles.”
The commemorative stone, a “touchstone” as Smith has dubbed it, is now mounted at the entrance to Bulloch Chapel, right next to the dedication plaque from September 1, 1991, the date of the first service at the new chapel.
“Our staff was blown away when I shared the club’s idea about Eagle Ranch Appreciation Day,” Brewer said. “We knew we wanted to do something to show our appreciation for them!
“Thirty years of prayer and steadfast giving is no small thing. We are connected by our faith in Christ. It seemed appropriate that we do something acknowledging our shared beliefs for the children and families we serve.”
Cover photo of touchstone: provided by Eagle Ranch.
