DOZENS OF HAYDEN HOMES VOLUNTEERS TO BUILD TRAILS AT FRIENDS OF DISABLED VETERANS RANCH PROPERTY

More than 30 team members will build paths for sensory garden on Aug. 9, and present $10,000 gift for The Ranch vision

Tri Cities, Wash., Aug. 9, 2024—Hayden Homes and Simplicity by Hayden Homes are proud to announce that a volunteer crew of more than 30 team members from Southern Washington will come together to build trails for a sensory garden, provide maintenance at the archery range and give a gift of $10,000 for The Ranch—a special place for veterans and their loved ones near Prosser operated by Friends of Disabled Veterans.

The event will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 9, and will be attended by veterans and their families as well as the Hayden Homes and Simplicity by Hayden Homes volunteers. Media are also welcome to attend (see details below).

The Ranch is a 140-acre property where veterans can enjoy the outdoors with their families, and rebuild relationships with their loved ones as they transition back to civilian life. Today The Ranch includes an archery range and restrooms, with a future vision of a lodge, playground and other facilities to support hunting, gardening and horse riding. A capital campaign is underway now to raise $250,000 to complete the lodge, plus another $20,000 for an adjacent parking lot.

“Hayden Homes exists to Give As You Go™ so together we build a strong community, and lead fulfilled lives,” said Rees Wasney, regional vice president of Hayden Homes. “It is our honor and privilege to support Friends of Disabled Veterans, just as these servicemen and women have supported us. We are so proud to be a small part of bringing the vision of The Ranch to life, and hope that other community members will join us in helping make this happen.”

The Hayden Homes team members will provide more than 45 total hours of volunteer time to help build paths of crushed fine rock for the sensory garden, which can be enjoyed by veterans who have lost sight or their visually impaired family members.

Sensory gardens have been shown to create a soothing effect for people managing sensory issues such as PTSD or autism. The garden plants will have textures and smells that are intended to be calming. The garden will also be tended by veterans, providing another opportunity for a shared family activity or a therapeutic respite for those recovering from trauma.

“We are so grateful to partner with Hayden Homes on these projects for The Ranch and our community of veterans and their loved ones,” said Khris Beyer, senior operations director for Friends of Disabled Veterans. “To know that we are in collaboration with a company that believes as much in our mission as we do—it gives all of us a boost of hope that we can continue to achieve our vision for this special place.”

The Ranch is intended to primarily serve the veteran community in Benton and Franklin Counties, but may be used by any veteran or organization that provides free services to veterans, such as TROT (Therapeutic Riding of the Tri-Cities), VFW’s, or the American Legion.

For more information about Friends of Disabled Veterans and The Ranch, please visit friendsofdisabledveterans.org.

MEDIA SITE VISIT DETAILS

• Schedule
  • Friday, Aug. 9
    • 8:30-10 a.m.: Volunteer crew will build paths and conduct maintenance on the archery range
    • 10-10:30 a.m.: $10,000 check presentation to Friends of Disabled Veterans
• Location
  • The Ranch: 104838 N Case Rd, Prosser, WA