Churches, Rye Build Home for Wounded Vet

 “American Hero Project” Nears Completion

When 89 churches announced plans to build a home for a wounded veteran, the Rye Foundation became one of the first organizations to lend its support.

Today, a 3-year dream has become reality and the 1,358 square foot home is under roof near the Smith-Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem. Funds from the Rye Foundation were earmarked to provide a sparkling new playground at the home.

Bill Ammons, who coordinated volunteer efforts among the churches, said the local congregations came from five counties. Those were Davie, Forsyth, Rockingham, Stokes, and Surry.

“When everything is completed, we expect the home to be appraised at $140,000 or more,” Ammons said.

 

Volunteer work crews handled most of the construction, and a formal dedication ceremony is being organized.

Ammons and his team worked with a Triad nonprofit to identify a suitable resident. Veterans Helping Veterans Heal provides a wide array of services, including job training and assistance in returning to civilian life.

Warren Steen, the President of the Rye Foundation, said that research shows that families of veterans face emotional, financial, and spiritual issues. “Our prayer is that the new playground will show that people really care about veterans and their families,” Steen stated.

Recently, several members of the Board of Directors toured the “American Hero Project” to see how their philanthropic gifts are making a difference.

Cooperation was evident throughout the project. A vivid example of this cooperative spirit occurred during the construction phase, when a well-dressed lady drove onto the site. She had noticed the large sign announcing the Hero House. After getting out of her car, she reached into her purse, and pulled out her checkbook.

“My father served in the military,” she said, “and I want to make a donation.”

Rye Announces $100,000 for Ray Bryan Award

Leaders of the Rye Foundation have announced that a new award has been established to recognize a children’s charity that is making a significant impact on North Carolina children.

The Ray Bryan Award will be presented annually, and a total of $100,000 has been designated for the recipients.

Mr. Bryan, a Goldsboro businessman and philanthropist, died on March 30, 2016 at the age of 84. He served as an Honorary member of the Rye Foundation Board of Directors from the formation of the foundation in 2001 until his death.

Warren Steen, the President of the Rye Foundation, said, “Ray Bryan left a legacy of caring about children. The award that bears his name will allow us to expand and enhance our philanthropy to boys and girls throughout North Carolina.”

Steen emphasized Mr. Bryan’s personal involvement and his personal investment. “Ray understood the mission of the Rye Foundation,” he continued, “and his generosity helped us to carry out that mission with care and compassion.”

Each year, a selection process will help identify nonprofit organizations which are making significant contributions through creative programming. The Board of Directors will vote on the award winner, and oversee the funding process to ensure that all charitable gifts are used effectively and efficiently.

The first recipient of the Ray Bryan Award will be named in December.

News and Notes

Champions for Children Day
At regular intervals, the Board of Directors schedules a day to meet with leaders of children’s charities. This is a time to learn about trends, major programming plans, and funding needs. Following the recent event, the Foundation has hosted a total of 115 organizations through the years.

Richard Petty Hosts Session
Hall of Fame race car driver Richard Petty recently hosted a strategic planning meeting at his Victory Junction Camp in Randolph County. Warren Steen attended and spoke on the importance of “leaving a legacy” through wills, bequests, and planned gifts.

Children of Prisoners
According to a report issued by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, over 179,000 North Carolina children experienced separation due a parent or step-parent being incarcerated. The Rye Foundation understands that these boys and girls can benefit from Christian camps, positive role models, and music enrichment. Charitable gifts have been made to help faith-based groups in Taylorsville, Burgaw, Tabor City and Winston-Salem reach the children of prisoners.

Site Tours Remain Popular
Rye leaders have recently visited Camp Vandemere in Pamlico County, Kamp Kiwanis in Davidson County, and the American Hero Project in Forsyth County. Guests are always welcome, and the tours show how boys and girls are being loved and supported at ministry settings across North Carolina.

“Make Your Will” Month
Many supporters have discovered that the best way to make a significant charitable gift is through their last will and testament. We appreciate all who practice Christian stewardship by helping children through their bequest to the Rye Foundation.

Billy Graham Exhibit Attracts 92,000

Museum of History – Visitors toured the colorful exhibit, which included displays on the dairy farm where Mr. Graham grew up, his Crusade ministry and testimonials from business and entertainment figures.

When a representative of the North Carolina Museum of History contacted the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, it came as quite a surprise to leaders of the international ministry. A subsequent meeting resulted in a simple question: would the BGEA be interested in designing a special exhibit on the noted evangelist for the Museum of History in Raleigh?

Their answer was a resounding “yes”, and staff members began to formulate plans for an informative 5,000 square foot interactive display.

The Rye Foundation joined with other philanthropic organizations in providing major support for the project. It reminded some of the Rye Foundation’s very first charitable gift, a $25,000 investment in 2001 for the work at the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville.

Rye leaders joined Franklin Graham at the opening night tour. They saw exhibits on the dairy farm where Mr. Graham grew up, as well as his Crusades throughout the country. A special console allowed visitors to punch a button and hear testimonies from well-known business leaders and entertainers.

In 2013, our state legislature voted to name Billy Graham as “North Carolina’s Favorite Son.” The exhibit was a strategic effort to help citizens learn about the life and ministry of our famous citizen.

When the exhibit ended its 8-month run, a total of 92,000 people had traveled to the Museum of History for a tour. Over half of these visitors were school children and their teachers.

One donor asked this question: “Where else can we have such a positive impact on thousands of North Carolina children?”

“Tater Barrel” Stays Full at Children’s Home

Jean Davis and Sherry Reeves shared this unforgettable story in a recent meeting with several leaders of the Rye
Foundation.

Times were hard at Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home in Wilkes County. One night, the houseparent noticed that there were only three potatoes in the pantry, and a total of five children waiting for supper.

At that point, the staff members got down on their knees. They thanked God for the chance to work at the Home, and prayed that He would send what the boys and girls needed.

That same evening, three different people felt the need “to bring taters for the children.” All told, over 600 pounds of potatoes were delivered in that one night!

Jean and Sherry emphasized that the staff did not make any phone calls or send any text messages or e-mails.  They also emphasized that God really cares about little children.