In 2011, a woman living with Alzheimer’s came to the gardens with her care-partner. She no longer spoke, but that day she sang “You Are My Sunshine” along with me. Her care-partner cried to see it.
That afternoon is the reason every program at Rest-Stop-Ranch is free. No one pays to sit by the Lily Pond Overlook, walk the MargFMac Front Garden Loop, or have coffee with us at the Thursday Social. In 2025, 150 guests made 292 visits.
Karl built the trails that make those visits possible. He spent two years laying the pavers for the Front Garden Loop, finished in 2020. The Secret Garden trail, 315 feet of compacted stone dust, took him three weekends and cost under $5,000. A landscaper had quoted us $25,000. Today 66 of our lilacs can be reached from a wheelchair.
Karl and I will match your gift
From now through December 31, Karl and I will match every dollar given to our GivingTuesday fundraiser on Mightycause, up to $10,000. Your $50 becomes $100. Your $100, enough for a caregiver’s one-on-one session or a two-hour Respite Retreat, becomes $200.
Double Your Gift on Mightycause
Where the money goes
Gifts from neighbors and friends brought in $25,471 of our $52,834 in 2025 revenue. Last year we spent $48,590: $26,408 on staff, $9,354 on garden materials and upkeep, $8,682 on outreach and the website, $3,271 on events and program supplies, and $875 on fees. Rest-Stop-Ranch holds Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, and our full report is on the Financial Transparency page.
Giving from a donor-advised fund?
Recommend a grant through DAF Direct or your fund’s website to Rest-Stop-Ranch Inc, EIN 84-2668406, and write “GivingTuesday match” in the grant note. We will add it to the fundraiser so it is matched too. Grants recommended by December 31 count, even if they arrive later.
Please share this with a friend who loves a garden, or who is caring for someone.
Peace and Joy,
Mary