Dear Friend,
With grateful hearts, we “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1
For 25 years, the Rye Foundation has had the privilege of helping strengthen ministries that serve children and youth across North Carolina. Through camps, mentoring programs, music, sports, faith-based outreach, and countless other efforts, young lives have been encouraged, supported, and introduced to the love of Christ.
None of it Would Have Been Possible Without You
Your generosity has turned compassion into action and helped remarkable organizations reach children at some of the most important moments in their lives. As we celebrate this 25th anniversary, we thank God for His faithfulness and for every donor, ministry partner, volunteer, and friend who has shared in this work.
Remembering the Heart Behind Rye
Over the years, Warren Steen was often asked, “Who is Mr. Rye?”. Warren would quickly insist there was no Mr. Rye. Since his passing in 2024, however, those who knew the Foundation best have come to realize just how much of its heart carried Warren’s fingerprints. For Warren, philanthropy was deeply personal. He wanted donors to see the lives their generosity touched. He arranged visits to ministries, invited friends to graduations and concerts, and brought people together for Champions for Children gatherings where stories of need, faith, perseverance, and hope often moved a room to tears.
But Warren’s care extended well beyond the Foundation’s work. He remembered birthdays. He called when someone was hurting. He celebrated good news. He showed up. We have missed that presence and leadership greatly.
Concluding Activities at the End of 2026
After much prayer and reflection, the Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to conclude the Foundation’s activities at the end of 2026. As we enter this final chapter, we do so with grateful hearts for what God has accomplished through Rye and with a desire to finish this work in a way that honors Warren and the mission he loved. Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for believing in children. And thank you for helping carry Warren’s legacy forward.
With gratitude and blessings,
The Board of Directors
Rye Foundation
