A former client has created a $1 million endowment for The Ranch Recovery Centers, Inc. which will help fund the substance treatment facility in perpetuity.
Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1972, originally as Lost Heads Ranch, the organization is dedicated to helping people and their families begin their recovery from the devastating and far-reaching effects of alcoholism and drug dependency.
“This is exciting, because it’s the first time in its existence that The Ranch has received a gift like this,” said Rick Mesa, president and CEO of The Ranch Recovery Centers, Inc.
Although The Ranch is fortunate to have sustaining donors, the gift from The Reinhart Foundation is the first donor-advised fund established for ongoing support. It consists of $1 million entrusted to the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, in Virginia, where the president of The Reinhart Foundation, William Reinhart, lives.
Originally from Virginia, Reinhart moved to Hollywood in 1986 to continue his career as a professional drummer. His “ego-driven, self-adsorbed, free-wheeling rock ’n’ roll lifestyle” caught up with him in 1991 when he suffered a sudden heart attack.
Several rehab attempts in the Los Angeles area led him to The Ranch. There, Reinhart said he learned what he “had to do,” which included making the changes he needed to make, and accepting the things he could not change. He removed himself from L.A., left the music business and never looked back. Reinhart said that being a productive member of society is one of life’s great joys.
“I remember every day I spent there. The Ranch taught me never to give up. I now realize my worst days without drugs are far better than my best days using drugs,” said Reinhart, who has incrementally donated to The Ranch since completing a 60-day program there 33 years ago. “I want to help the people who helped me when I was unable to help myself. I realized that not picking up and using drugs again was one of the best ways to make amends. I am honored to help those who are ready to find a new way to live.”
Said Mesa, who has led operations at The Ranch for 40 years: “It’s very refreshing to know that there are people who received care at The Ranch and then appreciate what happened and continue to give back.”
The Ranch typically treats about 450-500 men and women each year in four locations in Desert Hot Springs and provides programs to about 90-100 relatives. The Reinhart Endowment offers The Ranch unrestricted annual dividends that will contribute to all aspects of its operations. This gift came at an important time in The Ranch’s history, after its board of directors discontinued an annual fundraising luncheon that ran for 19 years.
“Fundraising is changing,” said Mesa. “The Reinhart Endowment will help us maintain, upgrade and replace essential operational items necessary for our daily functions. Contributions directly impact the quality of care and support that we provide, so we are extremely grateful for Mr. Reinhart’s generosity.”
The professional staff at The Ranch utilizes an evidenced-based holistic approach and is dedicated to helping people understand the entire treatment process throughout the program. To learn more about The Ranch Recovery Centers, Inc., call 760-329-2924, or visit www.ranchrecovery.org.