From Ken Messinger, SVP, Creative Director, Palio

Who in their right mind would wake up early on a rainy, cold Saturday morning in order to rake someone else’s property — for free?

The people of Palio and their friends and family!

This past weekend, a group of 20 gave up a good part of their Saturday to help prepare the Double H Ranch for their summer campers.

Now, you may be asking yourself, “What is it about the Double H Ranch that would compel the fine people at Palio, who work so hard all week, to give up a significant part of their weekend?” And, “Why would they drag their friends and families in to this as well?” And, “Why in the world would they volunteer to paint cabins, clear ball fields, rake huge expanses of wooded land, or who knows what else that might be asked of them?”

Glad you asked.

The Double H Ranch (which is also a pro bono client of Palio’s) was founded by Charles Woods and Paul Newman as one of Paul Newman’s “Hole in the Wall” camps, which are the world’s largest family of camps for children with serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and many other conditions. While at camp, these children discover the joys of childhood often missed during extended medical treatment, without compromising any of their medical needs thanks to on-site, state-of-the-art medical care.

All children attend the Double H Ranch free of charge as a result of generous contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other organizations.

The Double H Ranch (the “H” stands for Health and Happiness) sits on 320 beautifully wooded acres that include the fish-friendly Lake Vanare. Each summer, the Double H Ranch provides fun, support, and adventure for approximately 1000 children. Activities include horseback riding, creative arts, a high-rope challenge course, boating, swimming, and, of course, much, much more. The Double H also offers year-round, family-based support programs as well as an adaptive ski program throughout the winter months.

So why have we worked with the Double H Ranch for all these years? Because volunteering for this, or so many other worthy causes, makes you focus on the important things in life, like helping others, being selfless, and becoming part of a community instead of just living in one.

And, it makes us happy.

For more information about the Double H Ranch, visit http://www.doublehranch.org/partners.html