SAN FRANCISCO – During the joyous season of Pascha, the Metropolis of San Francisco declared, “we are pleased to announce that a generous anonymous donor has pledged $31,000 to sponsor the entire month of May at our beloved Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. With the Ranch being closed over this past year, it has been a challenging time, and our campaign – A Day at the Ranch – is already making a difference.

This $31,000 donation is being offered as a dollar-for-dollar challenge grant and we need you to help us meet our match! All donations during the month of May will count towards this challenge.”

Thanks to the generosity of donors at the Ranch 40th Anniversary Celebration in 2019, there are several renovation projects in progress. These include the Dining Hall, Kitchen, Girls Dormitories, Swimming Pool and building exteriors. Future plans include the expansion of the Conference Rooms, the addition of the Founders Pavilion, and the renovation of the Laundry Rooms. The funds for these projects have been partially donated, but they are restricted so these donations cannot be used to support the ongoing general operational needs for Saint Nicholas Ranch.

“In 1981 when I was serving as Archdeacon to Archbishop Iakovos, of blessed memory, I visited Saint Nicholas Ranch for the groundbreaking of this new facility. It was apparent even then that the Ranch would be a significant place for the growth of our ministries. Since that time, the Ranch has become a central gathering place for our Metropolis and has touched the hearts of thousands of people. Each day at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center is special, but with your support, you can help make it brighter. Make a difference. Sponsor a day. May the blessings of the Lord, through the intercessions of Saint Nicholas, be with you all!”  said Metropolitan Gerasimos

The Ranch has been closed for a year due to the pandemic, but there are still expenses to keep the facilities in working order, along with ongoing repairs and maintenance for over 300 acres. The Metropolis’ statement continued:

“We cannot wait for the day you return to the Ranch, but in the meantime, we need your help!

It takes the $1,000 a day to maintain the Ranch (utilities, facility and ground maintenance, insurance, core staff, water testing and treatment, etc.),

Every contribution will help our beloved Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, which has lost its income for one full year! We are still working towards our goal of raising $365,000, and this month's challenge grant – along with your support – can make this a reality! Though the Ranch did receive government assistance through pandemic relief programs, it is not enough to cover our ongoing needs.”

Saint Nicholas Ranch And Retreat Center – A Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. P.O. Box 400 • Dunlap, CA 93621-0400.