Members of the NASCAR and Iredell County communities joined Rescue Ranch at a donor ribbon-cutting and naming ceremony for its new inclusive playground. Thanks to a generous donation from the Dale Jr. Foundation, and a longtime Earnhardt family friend, the new inclusive playground will bear the name: The Earnhardt Family Playground dedicated by Dale Earnhardt Jr.,
Supporting youth, nature and conservation, the Earnhardt family’s values go hand-and-hand with the mission of Rescue Ranch.
“It’s important to me and everyone involved with our foundation to give back to our community, particularly where we can have an impact on kids,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr. “Ryan and Krissie have created an amazing place at Rescue Ranch that encourages a deeper respect and understanding for animals. The inclusive playground is just one piece, but I hope an important piece. If it contributes to the overall experience in any way, then it served its purpose.
In addition, the $550,000 playground received donations from the following: ACME Metal, Alexander H. Fraser and Family, ASMO North Carolina, Bank of America Matching Gifts Program, Benevity Community Impact Fund, Charlotte Checkers Charitable Foundation, Country Boy Landscaping, Danica Patrick, Denny Hamlin Foundation, Dr. Joseph Perry and Family, Evernham Family Racing for a Reason, The Hadley and Marion Stuart Foundation, Julie Timmons, Kathy Shifflett, Kevin Harvick Foundation, Leadership Statesville Class of 2017, Les and Judy Smout Foundation, Lindsey Giannini and Brennan Poole, Manheim Statesville, Marcus and Cassi Smith, Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, The Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation, NASCAR Foundation, Richard and Jennifer Marshall, The Rotary Club of Statesville, Scott and Laura Newman, Tommy Mason, and Wells Fargo Foundation.
The nonprofit animal welfare organization’s 10,000-square foot inclusive Earnhardt Family playground houses elements for children with all abilities which includes: eight wheelchair accessible activity centers, roller and sidewinder slides, sway fun, several climbing walls, one handicap accessible zipline, custom play barn, swings equipped for children of all abilities and much more.
“It brings us such joy to see children playing on The Earnhardt Family Playground for the first time,” said Krissie Newman, co-founder and president of the nonprofit organization. “This playground couldn’t have come to fruition as quickly as it did without the support of our generous donors. Our family, staff and donors love this community and are elated that kids of all abilities will finally have a place to play together.”
The new playground will play a part in Rescue Ranch’s educational programs to promote respect for animals and responsible pet ownership, as well as agricultural, environmental and wildlife conservation by providing an additional place for all to play including Critter Campers, school groups and more.
More information to come on additional public access opportunities.
Naming opportunities are still available. For more information, please call (704) 768-0909 or visit rescueranch.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
For more ribbon-cutting photos, visit http://bit.ly/2rpjq7B.
About Rescue Ranch:
Rescue Ranch is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded by Krissie Newman and her husband, NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. The 87-acre facility offers school, Scout and camp programs, birthday parties and private tours, which promote humane education through hands-on learning. Rescue Ranch is located in Statesville, North Carolina - less than an hour from Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Hickory.
