The Race is On!

Summer is here, and that means that Swim Fest is coming soon—Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7—and the competition is heating up. Swim Fest raises money for a vacation for all 21 Down Home Ranchers! The Ranchers have once again elected to head south in late October, along the Mexican coast, aboard the Carnival Ecstasy.

As in years past, the house that raises the most funds—in gifts and pledges—wins the coveted Swim Fest Trophy to proudly display in their own living room.

Supporters may make gifts of any amount in honor of a Rancher or a Ranch House. If it’s more convenient for you, you can pay some up front and pledge the rest payable over a time span you specify. For example, if you wanted to support a house by donating $400, you could send in $100 up front and pledge the remainder at $25 a month for the next twelve months.

Another way you can help is to send this web page to friends, family, and acquaintances. Every new connection brings great things to Down Home Ranch—relationships, support, families that need our services, and people looking for a great new job.

Please, encourage everyone you know to join the Swim Fest Fun. Be here if you can. Rumors are that Captain Hornblower himself—believed deceased these many decades—may nonetheless make an appearance in powdered wig, bicorn hat, and lacy cuffs. Come view the parade of mermaids, buccaneers, Jolly Rogers, and tropical ladies.

A running total for each house will be posted regularly, so check back often to see how your team is doing. Send all your friends and family a link to this page, and help make this year’s Swim Fest the best ever!

Remember, all Ranchers go on the cruise regardless of who wins the trophy. The competition is all in good fun, a way to ensure that our Ranchers get the vacation they want and deserve. Any funds not applied toward the cruise will be used to fund other worthy Ranch programs.