The Deer Camper Cabin at Double H Ranch in Luzerne was recently given a much-needed renovation with funds from the Christopher Dailey Foundation.
By Lisa Balschunat
When Mark and Maria Dailey’s 8-year old son Christopher died suddenly in the hospital on the day after Thanksgiving in 2001, his departure from his family, friends and classmates left a devastating void in their lives. In an effort to create something positive over something so heartbreaking, Chris’ family and some close friends established a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting youth sports in the Saratoga community, and sponsoring children who are physically challenged or in need of athletic opportunities that would help them achieve a goal or dream. Such a mission would offer a lasting legacy to their beloved son.
Within a few short years, the Christopher Daily Foundation raised funds to construct a youth recreational facility somewhere in the greater Saratoga Springs area that would enrich the lives of children in the community by providing them with a place to play, learn and enhance their lives through team and individual sports activities. This effort also would help to alleviate the overcrowding of available gym space in the area. The foundation board worked toward building a gym and donating it to a local municipality. Raising funds for the project took shape in the way of a golf tournament, a 5K race and more. The site selected was in Wilton’s Gavin Park.
When the gym neared completion in 2006, the Dailey Foundation started to look for other projects and programs in need of support. When they learned about Double H Ranch, Lake Luzerne, they “saw it to be perfect fit,” said Mr. Dailey at the recent ribbon cutting of Deer Camper Cabin.
The cabin houses girls from 6 to 16 years old during summer and winter camp programs at Double H, and now bears a plaque thanking the Christopher Dailey Foundation for its generous support of $55,000. The ribbon was cut officially in mid-June by Chris’ brother Brendan and sister Laura Rose.
“Thank you for having a place for us to share our resources,” Mr. Dailey said to Double H Chief Executive Officer Max Yurenda and the 50 people – including employees, volunteers, campers and board members — who attended the ribbon cutting. Not only will girls in Deer Cabin benefit from the foundation’s philanthropy, but several area children will attend the summer program at Double H enjoy camp programs free of charge thanks to the generosity of the Christopher Dailey Foundation and other dedicated Double H supporters.
Camper Scarlette Dyer, of Glens Falls, attended the ceremony and got a sneak peek inside. “It’s amazing,” she said excitedly. “I’m a Bobcat now so I won’t be sleeping here anymore, but the girls will love it! It’s so bright and cheery and it will be even easier for them to get around. I give it 10 out of 10!” she said with a thumbs up.
The 12-year-old Miss Dyer is looking forward to her week at Double H this summer, especially to use the zip line. Sharing thoughts about it from her wheelchair, she said: “When you get up on the ledge it is very suspenseful; then it kind of feels like flying. I can’t wait! She added, “I like swimming, crafts, and oh, skiing in the winter.”
Mr. Yurenda seconded Scarlette’s sentiment. “We have much to celebrate at Double H this summer. We are proud to provide specialized programs to offer life-changing experiences to campers and families dealing with life threatening illnesses. I ask myself, and our staff, every day: ‘How can we do what we do even better?’ We offer quality services. We have a year-round team to make a camper’s experience – whether it be summer or winter – a physically safe and medically sound opportunity that captures the magic of the Adirondacks.”
He humbly stated, “When individuals or organizations like the Christopher Dailey Foundation share their resources with us we are most grateful. We take every dollar seriously. This generous contribution has enhanced our infrastructure. The old dark log interior of this Double H Ranch Continued…
cabin is no more. It’s been renovated into a delightful and most functional space.” This summer marks Double H Ranch’s 20th year. Campers from all over the world come to Hidden Valley Road to have some serious fun. Founded by Charles R. Wood, original owner of Storytown and the Great Escape, and Actor Paul Newman, Double H services 2,000 campers annually and expects 850 to 900 boys and girls to attend this summer.
To learn more about or to support the Christopher Dailey Foundation visit: www.christopherdaileyfoundation.com or call 518-1328. For details about Double H Ranch, visit www.doublehranch.org or call 696-5921.