Happy Corporate Partner Anniversary BTR

On January 31, 2018, I called Ronnie of Born To Ride to wish him a Happy Corporate Partner Anniversary. It was 4 years ago that we met to discuss a partnership to increase awareness and funding for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. For us, it is our 60th Anniversary since the founding of our organization by the Florida Sheriffs Association. Since the first child crossed our threshold in 1957, we have been providing help & hope to our most vulnerable little citizens. There is a misconception amongst the public about who we are. The name makes people believe we are a “Boot Camp” or part of the Juvenile Delinquent Centers. In fact, we are far from that and for the last 4 years through their magazine, television and radio assets, Born To Ride has been sharing our story to help bring clarity to this misconception.

Today our children are as young as three years old, removed from their homes for their safety. Not because of anything bad being done by them but to them. Sixty percent of our children find us through those responsible for child welfare around our State. We partner with the Community Based Care service providers responsible for the foster child population to provide a loving home and sense of security while the judicial decides the permanent disposition for every child under their care. The remaining children come from situations where they need a hand up, not a handout. We have helped over 150,000 children and families since the first child was entrusted to our care. Our mission is made possible by individuals and organization like Born To Ride. Ron, Debbie and the entire Born To Ride family have been very generous to our agency and the children. I want to wish them all a Happy Anniversary of our relationship and the impact they have contributed to over the last 4 years. You have and are making a difference. Thank you!

Wayne Witczak
Director of development – Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches