News from the Rye
Rye Provides Camp Scholarships for Military Children
From a distance, the picturesque, pastoral setting almost seemed to portray a normal day at summer camp.
Children walked from the morning chapel service toward a calm lake, where canoes and kayaks awaited. In the distance, others moved quickly to arts and crafts activities.
However, the day was anything but routine for the 238 boys and girls who attended Camp Corral, held at the historic YMCA Camp Hanes in King, North Carolina.
One important factor set this summer camp apart: every participant came from a family that had a parent wounded or killed in battle.
Several of the attendees were able to participate due to generous scholarship funding from the Rye Foundation. Two of Rye’s priorities are offering support to children of prisoners and children from military homes.
“This is a very special week,” said camp director Val Elliott, “and we are thankful for the Rye Foundation and its financial commitment to these children.”
During a recent site tour, leaders of the Foundation visited with children and staff members, attended the chapel service, and enjoyed lunch in the dining hall.
A daily highlight is seeing the boys and girls gather at the flagpole and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
The informative site tour was part of an ongoing strategic plan to observe quality programming that is “making a difference” in the lives of North Carolina children. Other tours have been to Camp Vandemere near New Bern, Kamp Kiwanis in Lexington, Cale Camp in Hertford, the Mount Sinai – McCreary Community Center in Catawba, and the beloved Presbyterian Orphanage in Black Mountain.
A timely update on activities and events at the Rye Foundation
Magazine Coverage Recognizes Foundation’s Impact
We have received numerous positive comments about the March issue of Forsyth Family magazine, which contains an in-depth feature article on the philanthropy of the Rye Foundation. It is titled, “Making a Difference in the Lives of Children.” Three of the first to offer their congratulations on the coverage were a Presbyterian minister, the former district governor of Rotary International, and the president of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce.
Camp for Military Families
One of our recent charitable gifts went to Camp Hanes in Stokes County. Each summer, the camp hosts a specialized week, and every child who attends has had a parent wounded or killed on the battlefield. Last year, a total of 265 children participated. Plans are being finalized for a site tour this summer.
Memories of Billy Graham
When the Rye Foundation was established, our very first gift was $25,000 to the Billy Graham Training Center for its youth camp. Soon thereafter, Warren Steen had the privilege of introducing Mr. Graham to each member of our Board of Directors, and he thanked each one personally. A photo of that event hangs in the foundation office, and reminds us all of his lifetime of Christian service.
A Closing Question
Author Bob Buford was right. He wrote that many of us spend years and years in a search to be successful. Then, we evaluate our priorities and seek to become significant. What kind of legacy do you plan to leave ?
UPDATE–Winner Announced for Ray Bryan Award:
Young Life on the Crystal Coast
This year, Christmas came a few days early for a Carteret County organization.
The Rye Foundation announced the very first recipient of its Ray Bryan Award. The winner is Young Life on the Crystal Coast. The award recognizes a North Carolina charity for “making a positive impact on children and youth.”
In addition to receiving the prestigious award, the organization will also receive $25,000 to enhance and expand its programming.
“This is a great surprise and also a great honor,” said P.J. Barclay, who serves as area director of Young Life. “We promise to use the funds to increase our ministry to students in the area.”
Warren Steen, the President of the Rye Foundation, explained that the charity aggressively seeks out North Carolina projects in the areas of religion, youth, and education. “There’s no Mr. Rye or Mrs. Rye at our foundation,” he said, “but we do have a lot of people who care deeply about helping children.”
According to Steen, the award is given in memory of Ray Bryan, a Goldsboro businessman and philanthropist who was actively involved with the Rye Foundation from its establishment in 2001 until his death. He died on March 30, 2016 at the age of 84.
Led for several years by volunteers, Young Life on the Crystal Coast brought Barclay on board as its first staff member in June of 2016. The organization provides Bible study, summer camp, and weekly outreach events at three area schools. Nationally, the ministry is involved in over 6,900 schools and other locations.
According to Barclay, the funds will be utilized in four areas:
- Scholarships for camp
- Curriculum materials
- Leadership training
- Operational support
The Rye Foundation has earmarked a total of $100,000 to honor the legacy of Mr. Bryan. “Our philanthropy will be directed at organizations that see the God-given potential in each child,” stated Steen.
Other groups in Eastern North Carolina have been the beneficiaries of Rye funding in previous years. These include: the North Carolina Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell, Camp Albemarle in Newport, the Matthew 25 Center in Burgaw, and Camp Cale in Hertford.