Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Echo Hill Ranch Gold Star Camp
Legal Name (if Different): Echo Hill Ranch Foundation
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 965 Echo Hill Road
City: Medina
State: Texas
Postal Code: 78055
Main Phone: 830-589-2520
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.echohill.org
Employer ID Number: 84-4413677
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 29, 2024
Requested Amount: $9,450

Project Title: Echo Hill Ranch Gold Star 2024 Camperships
Project Description:

Bexar County has the largest population of Gold Star Families in the Nation. In 2023, 11 boys and girls attended camp from Bexar County and its surrounding communities. We request funding for camperships so that families, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation, can send their children to camp at no cost.

By providing a cost-free camp experience, we aim to alleviate the financial burden on these families and ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program that fosters personal growth, resilience, and a sense of community. Through engaging activities, skilled volunteers, and a focus on building self-confidence, leadership skills, and camaraderie, we create an environment where these exceptional young children can thrive at camp and beyond.

At Echo Hill Ranch, we foster a community and connection among children and families who have had similar life experiences and are taking similar life journeys. Our mission is to provide a safe, fun, relaxing, and empowering professional summer camp experience for the children of Gold Star, Fallen Military Heroes, and Fallen First Responder Families. We believe our country has a duty to support Gold Star Families. Gold Star, Fallen Military Heroes, and those of Fallen First Responder Families have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our Nation.

Activities include horseback riding, swimming, hiking, sports, riflery, archery, and creative arts. The camp includes an opportunity for each child to dedicate a memorial rock to their loved one and hike it up Echo Hill to be placed in a living memorial. Echo Hill Ranch serves children between 8-14 years old. Volunteer staff include camping professionals with expertise in child development, camp management, and working with military families. Leadership training is provided for youth ages 15-17 and for those over ages 18 to serve as camp mentors/counselors.

Total Project Budget: $363,550

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Hal and Charlie Peterson Foundation (committed), Mays Family Foundation (reviewing application/gave in 2023), AFCEA Wounded Warrior and Military Families Endowment (committed), Vitol Foundation (reviewing application/gave in 2023), HEB (potential/gave in 2023), James Avery Artisan Jewelers ( gave in 2023/potential), Special Forces Association – Alamo Chapter (gave in 2023/potential), Vehicles for Vets (potential), Friends of Copper Love (gave in 2023/potential), Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country (potential), JP’s Peace, Love, and Happiness Foundation (prior donor/potential), anonymous $25k individual donor (committed), other anonymous major individual donors, and other business and miscellaneous individual donors.

Project Duration: June 14 to July 10, 2024 (dates this summer)- for Summer 2025 Camp
Geographical Area Served: Bexar County and Surrounding Communities
Age Group To Be Served: 8-14 primarily, up to age 21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Marcie
Contact Last Name: Friedman
Contact Title: Volunteer Camp Director & Co-Founder
Contact Phone: 830-589-2520
Contact Email: marciehfriedman@echohill.org