By Sarah Kuper
For most children, a drugstore birthday card is not much to get excited about unless it includes cash or a check.
But for a child living at Big Oak Ranch in Springville, receiving a birthday card could be the first time they’ve gotten a piece of mail with their name on it.
“These children are not bad kids or kids that have gotten into trouble. They are just from really, really bad circumstances. They are now experiencing things we take for granted, like a birthday card, a new dress, or someone to tuck them in at night,” said Patsy Burks, president of The Auxiliary of Big Oak Ranch.
The birthday card ministry is just one of the ways the auxiliary, established 10 years ago by Phyllis DePiano and Joann Bashinsky, ensures children living at the ranch know they are loved and special. To mark its anniversary, the auxiliary will have a bit of help delivering that message to the children – and to the community at large.
On Sept. 20, the auxiliary will present “An Evening with Amy Grant” at the Wright Center at Samford University. Grant will play a full concert and meet with sponsors before the event.
Children at the ranch will be able to attend the concert courtesy of auxiliary donations. But Burks said she hopes the concert also brings attention to Big Oak Ranch and raises funds to further the ranch’s mission.
Along with organizing fundraisers, the auxiliary takes a hands-on approach to serving the ranch.
“We don’t just go to a meeting and write a check. We commit to pray for the children and adults and we try to meet some of their needs,” Burks said.
Founded in 1974 by John Croyle, the ranch has three main components: the Girls Ranch in Springville, the Boys Ranch in Gadsden and Westbrook Christian School in Rainbow City. Each ranch has nine homes plus gyms, lakes, horses and livestock.
Children and teens at Big Oak Ranch live with house parents and as many as eight other kids of all ages in two-story brick homes, where they are provided a family atmosphere and spiritual guidance.
Children go to school and participate in extracurricular activities, plus they are given responsibilities at home.
One way the auxiliary enriches the lives of children on the ranch is by supporting incentive programs for residents’ achievements and good behavior. Children receive points for accomplishments that they can then “cash in” at either The Boutique, for girls, or The Outfitters, for boys.
These two shops sell things such as clothes, shoes, electronics, make-up and sports equipment. They both are funded by the auxiliary.
Susan Taylor, a member of the auxiliary, said watching young girls shop at The Boutique for the first time is an emotional experience.
“I remember two girls who came into The Boutique and they were so excited, then another girl who was shy and just overcome because she had never experienced anything like it. It’s amazing to see the young girls blossom and grow as they get to know you and trust you.”
Longtime Supporter
The ranch’s connection to Grant goes beyond enthusiasm for contemporary Christian music.
Nearly 25 years ago, a 1989 graduate from Westbrook Christian School passed away from ovarian cancer at just 20 years old.
During her chemotherapy treatments, Maureen Willard found comfort in Grant’s music, and as part of the Magic Moments non-profit, Willard was able to go to Franklin, Tennessee, to meet her.
The two became friends, and Grant later donated a horse named Yogi to the ranch in honor of Willard.
Willard also wished Grant could perform a concert for the ranch, but she passed away before the event could be arranged.
Now, the auxiliary is making Willard’s dream come true.
“It is such a testament to God’s faithfulness. God’s timing and our timing are not always the same. Maureen didn’t get to see this happen, but now the children living at the ranch will get to go to the concert,” Taylor said.
For more information on the concert and Big Oak Ranch, visit bigoakauxiliary.com or bigoak.org.
Tickets for “An Evening with Amy Grant” can be bought at tickets.samford.edu or by calling 205-726-2853.
