About a year ago, Rainbow Acres lost a very dear friend to cancer. Rev. Duane J. Gibson served Rainbow Acres for several years on the Board of Trustees. He was a friend to both Ranchers and staff, and worked tirelessly to provide homes with heart and lives of purpose for adults with developmental disabilities. Upon his passing, Duane asked that memorial gifts be sent to Rainbow Acres. These gifts were used to purchase a brand new altar set for the Rainbow Acres ranch. Rainbow recently completed the set and, during the monthly Prayer & Praise service, the Ranch community joined together to worship their Lord and remember a man who embodies Christian love and compassion. The set is a beautiful reminder of the preciousness of our relationships with God, and with each other.

Jeanne Figgins came to Rainbow Acres in 1987. On the ranch, she enjoys exercising, crafting and watching movies. She also enjoys participating in Special Olympics activities and singing in the Rainbow Acres Rancher Choir.

Jack Wadleigh came to Rainbow Acres in 1997. He is a devoted member of the Weaving Crew where he weaves beautiful scarves, shawls, rugs and more. Jack enjoys all types of TV shows and has participated in many Special Olympics activities.

Last weekend, Rainbow Acres held its inaugural blood drive. It was a smashing success with twenty-two life-saving donations! Rainbow hopes to hold the blood drive on a semiannual basis. Thanks to all our brave donors!

For several years now, Rainbow Acres has participated in an Adopt-A-Family program during the Christmas season to provide a local family with some much-needed assistance. This year, Rainbow "adopted" a family of four, which children ages two to nine. Ranchers and employees alike pitched in to provide the family with an array of clothing and toys, as well as extra funds to help make the family's holiday dinner extra special. Every year, Rainbow is blown away by the thoughtfulness and generosity of its community members. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the season warm and bright for one very special family!

On December 21, Rainbow Acres will be featured on VoiceAmerica's Outreach Today internet radio show. The show, hosted by Melissa Jenkins-Simon, will focus on the joys and difficulties of raising a child with a disability. Susan Hall, Rainbow Acres Director of Planned Giving, will be appearing on the show to discuss Rainbow's innovative approach to care, as well as how to plan for a secure financial future for your loved one with developmental disabilities. Outreach Today will air on Wednesday, December 21 at 10:00 am Pacific Time on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel. Click here to tune in online.

This past Saturday, several Ranchers, along with founder Ralph Showers, represented Rainbow Acres at the 55th annual Fort Verde Days parade. This year’s procession featured 65 floats and participants. Rainbow Acres appeared near the front as entries #6 and #7. Participating Ranchers, accompanied by Rainbow Acres employee Dee Whitt, wore sashes that identified their unique contribution to the Ranch. All together, the delegation conveyed Rainbow Acres’ mission of Homes With Heart and Lives With Purpose to hundreds of members of the Verde Valley Community.

Yesterday was Flu Shot Clinic Day at the Ranch and judging by the Rancher turnout, you would think it was a party! This is not a new phenomenon at Rainbow Acres. If you are familiar with the Ranchers, you know that they are serious about their health. Every month, the Ranch Health & Wellness Center holds a Weigh Day to help the Ranchers maintain a healthy weight. Without fail, the Ranchers wait in line and clamor for their turn to stand on the scale. Would you look forward to stepping on a scale in front of 90 of your peers?

Like Weigh Day, Flu Shot Clinic Day brings the Ranchers out in force. Most dislike needles and require a hand to squeeze while they receive their shot, but this does not deter a robust turnout. Rainbow is lucky to have a population that cares deeply about the well being of the community. Each Rancher is willing to do his or her part to ensure that the Ranch remains healthy year round.

Last year, I wrote an incredible, sensational true story about two guys and two gals from Arizona who made an impossible dream happen at the 2010 Special Olympics National Summer Games. As part of Team Arizona, they beat the greatest Special Olympics Bocce team in the country to win the Gold. It is something that may not ever happen again. It is a sensational, true sports event that everyone will want to watch on DVD. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the four mentally disabled adults from Arizona, coached by Don Bergen and Sandy Koonce, to make the impossible dream happen!

In accounting for his success in bocce ball, Brent reveals his great talent for both sports and writing. He also captures the genuine feeling of joy experienced by all the Ranchers when they discover hidden talents and use them well. It is important to always have confidence in the abilities of our Ranchers and to provide diverse opportunities for discovery.