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Get
'em up, Rawhide.org
A
revamped web site for the New London Boys' Ranch tells the
story
|
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By
Ray Barringtom
Dotcom Magazine
If you watch Green Bay television at all, you've seen the
ads.
Bart Starr, telling you that donating your car to Rawhide
can help young men make something of themselves.
Left out in the short time span of a commercial was the how
and why.
And, until recently, that was the case at www.rawhide.org.
But starting this month, visitors to the site will get a more-complete
look at what the boys ranch near New London does.
A revamped Web site talks about the mission of Rawhide, and
how that mission - helping boys become productive members
of society - is accomplished.
"The site in a nutshell pretty much depicts the life of the
boys, which is what we wanted to do," said project coordinator
Susan DeGroot of Green Bay's NetNet.
"We have pictures of them top header of every page, showing
everything they do. It makes Rawhide as an organization come
to life.
It's not just about cars you donate but lives you're affecting
and changing.
Rawhide is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1965 by Appleton
businessman John Gillespie and his wife, Jan. They had a vision
for a better way to reach out to troubled teenage boys. Former
Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr and his wife, Cherry,
joined the Gillespies to help start Rawhide's first home.
Their involvement still continues as they volunteer their
services to promote Rawhide.
Currently Rawhide has six boys' homes on campus, with 10-12
boys, ages 10-18, in each home. There are also are 12 foster
homes in area communities. Rawhide provides counseling for
the boys and their families, plus innovative academic and
on-the-job training, and a strong staff commitment to help
boys gain self-respect and a better way of life.
That takes a lot of effort and a good amount of money. Not
surprisingly, donation opportunities take up a good chunk
of the Web site.
"(At the old site) you could donate a vehicle, but it didn't
have other capabilities," DeGroot said. "We wanted to be able
to have users access all the donations, to accept real estate,
life insurance, cash, accept volunteers even."
And yes, to donate vehicles.
"In most instances, we can say right away whether the donation
is acceptable or we need more information, or if we can't
accept it," DeGroot said. "It's a really nice feature. The
user knows the benefits the donation provides, and it's easier
to Rawhide, saving their time."
But now, the site also provides a look at how the boys live,
and other programs to help its residents.
They include Starr Academy, a school on the grounds; the transition
programs, putting boys in foster homes; the alumni assistance
program, and others.
A map of the grounds provides looks at various buildings,
with QuickTime footage of several areas. |
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