Champions for Children: Candlelight Ranch Awarded as Community Honoree

November 11, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Candlelight Ranch was named a Community Honoree at Helping Hand Home’s 25th Annual Champions for Children Awards Luncheon! This recognition highlights our dedication to bringing the healing power of nature to children and families in need throughout Central Texas. We are honored to stand alongside other community leaders devoted to empowering youth, including the Nolan Ryan Foundation, this year’s Philanthropic Honoree and a valued supporter of our mission.

This award also celebrates the legacy of Candlelight Ranch’s visionary Co-Founders, Jeri, Don and Randy Barr, who brought the ranch to life 25 years ago. Don & Randy serendipitously found a beautiful piece of Hill Country land, initially seeing it as a family retreat. However, Don’s wife, Jeri, dreamed of transforming the property into a therapeutic haven for children who might not otherwise have the chance to experience nature. In 1999 the Barr Family established Candlelight Ranch as a sanctuary where children and families could find peace, joy, and healing. Today, that vision has grown into a place that serves on average 1,700 children each year, working with more than 35 partnering non-profits to offer accessible, nature-based programs for children facing physical, emotional, and socio-economic challenges.

Our partnership with Helping Hand Home for Children has been especially meaningful. Their children regularly visit the ranch to participate in our Children in Nature program, where they experience therapeutic outdoor activities in a safe and welcoming environment. This partnership and our ongoing collaboration with many other organizations allow us to reach more children in need each year, helping them build resilience, confidence, and lasting joyful memories.

A particularly moving moment at the luncheon was the recognition of Don and Randy Barr’s recent donation of Candlelight Ranch’s 41 acres, a generous gift that secures the ranch’s future. This donation ensures that our programs and beautiful landscape will continue to provide solace, adventure, and healing to future generations of children and families in need of nature’s healing embrace.

Candlelight Ranch has become known for its inclusive, innovative programming that serves children of all abilities. Our offerings include adaptive zip lines, archery, hiking, environmental science curriculum, and outdoor adventures—all crafted to foster resilience, confidence, and connection with nature. From zipping through treetops to discovering wildlife, every activity is designed to empower children to grow, connect, and overcome challenges.

Receiving this award is a meaningful milestone that reflects the collective work of our community, supporters, partners, and volunteers. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we look back with gratitude and forward with excitement for what’s to come. We are deeply grateful to Helping Hand Home for Children for this recognition and to everyone who has believed in our mission.

Thank you for being part of Candlelight Ranch’s journey. Together, we are champions for children, and we look forward to the next 25 years of bringing healing through nature.