Today we’d like to introduce you to Friends Of Rolling Rock Ranch 501(c)3.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
FRRR started when six friends were hanging out talking about an event one had been to the previous weekend. A cancer fundraiser. He mentioned he was so amazed at how people opened their wallets so generously. Said he thought it would be cool to do something for the veterans. One of the six friends owns a licensed pheasant preserve, and offered up the idea of hosting veterans to hunt pheasant. That was April 2016.
As the summer progressed, we were mind blown at how many local business/friends wanted to help/donate. Our event was the first weekend of Oct, and in that short time we raised $15k. The vets had the greatest time and we promised them we’d do it again the following year.
Each year, we grew a little more. And each year, we raised a little more. Our event is an all day event, and we host approximately 130 people now. We have both able bodied and disabled veterans come and enjoy a great day of clay shooting, hunting, camaraderie and fundraising. We gather donations all year, and have live auction and silent auction at our event.
Our first few years, donations were shared equally amongst all the residents living in the GR home. But we have grown enough now that we donate to all three homes, and we now help fund the music programs which bring talented local artists in to entertain the residents.
For the last three years, we have had entertainers come and play during our event. The veterans love it, there’s so much joy and happiness.
In 2025, after experiencing an event at Legends Ranch in Bitely, we decided to sponsor a Purple Heart Veteran for a Legends hunt of a lifetime. We were SO amazed at what Legends does, that we planned a second event for March 2026 to raised funds specifically for the Purple Heart Hunt. So this year, we are so proud to say we are sponsoring a MI veteran for September’s Purple Heart hunt.
Never in a millions years did we think we would grow as much as we have. We are very blessed to have incredible friends and local MI businesses supporting us along the way. We could never do what we do without our generous donors and volunteers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oddly enough, it’s been a very smooth road. Our first year we had a co sponsor with a registered 501(c)3… and he guided us to start our own non profit. Once we finished the application and got our license… it’s been quite straightforward with nothing but success. Of course Covid put a hitch in our giddy up, and we did not have a 2020 event. BUT… our friends still made donations and we were able to donate to the GR vet home that year.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Of the six board members, I (Tracy Pyles, Event Coordinator FRRR) am the only one who doesn’t work full time. The others all hold demanding full time jobs, so as we started planning larger events, it was easy for me to dedicate time to planning. I took charge of planning what we do during the day to keep our guests entertained. I’m known for my party planning, hosting… and I absolutely love laying out the day, then we all come together and make it happen ! During the year, those that work full time are sharing who we are, what we do, and bring in cash donations which cover the food, beverages and supplies necessary to hold the event. We are a great team, and I am very proud what we accomplish.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Our passion for the veterans !! Our tagline is “Give a little, to those who gave so much”. The six of us on the board have not served but our fathers/grandfathers did. On the days we feel tired, exhausted… we remember the joy we bring to the veterans and we push through. After all… they gave everything… why shouldn’t we give what we can?
Pricing:
- NONE !! Our event is free.
- If people choose to donate, that is their decision
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rrrvethunt.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rrrvethunt
