A CENTER FOR 21ST CENTURY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:
Where the wisdom of the past, present, and future of leadership comes together for the dignity and benefit of all.
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Your Donations are Tax Deductible.
August 2025
First Nature Notes: Celebrating Wins and Looking Ahead
Dear Friends of First Nature Foundation,
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We’re not going to bury the lead… we won Nonprofit of the Year again!
This time, the honor comes from the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, and we are deeply grateful for your votes that made this possible. Your support fuels our mission, and this recognition belongs as much to you as it does to us.
While we don’t have the physical award in hand just yet, we’ll be receiving it at the Chamber’s banquet next month—so keep an eye out for photos in our next newsletter. We’ve worked hard to earn this recognition, but it is your belief in us and in our work that made it happen. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
It’s been a brutally hot summer, and we’re all counting down the days until cooler weather finally arrives—whether that’s September…or October. Speaking of October, we’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for our Whiskey Dinner at the Ranch Fundraiser on Saturday, October 4!
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Enjoy photo opportunities with the horses, fun games, handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, a three-course catered dinner with whiskey pairings, and insights from an expert.
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Bid on unique items in our silent auction, connect with community leaders, and share in plenty of laughter and superb networking.
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Most importantly, this event directly supports our Horse Wisdom for Heroes program, helping us provide meaningful growth experiences for veterans.
We’re excited to share that our partners at The Transition House have stepped up as our Catering Sponsor—thank you! Several additional sponsorship opportunities remain, and of course, tickets are still available. Details are below—we’d love to have you join us.
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We’re excited to share that our partners at The Transition House have stepped up as our Catering Sponsor - thank you! Several additional sponsorship opportunities remain, and of course, tickets are still available. Details are below- we’d love to have you join us.
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We are pleased, proud, and honored to share that First Nature Foundation has been selected as one of the nonprofit beneficiaries of the Citrus Club’s Charity Classic Golf Tournament, alongside the Camaraderie Foundation.
The tournament will be held on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, at Rio Pinar Country Club in Orlando. This special event is dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans, and the funds shared with us will directly benefit our Horse Wisdom for Heroes program.
You can support this event by:
· Donating
· Sponsoring Breakfast, Lunch, or a Tee
· Bringing a foursome to the tournament or signing up solo
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The ladies of FNF will be there to cheer you on—we hope to see you out on the course!
A big shout-out to Yvonne, Angela, Ann, and Josie—four of our amazing supporters who have recently signed on as monthly donors!
Monthly memberships are vital to our work. They help us even out cash flow and sustain programs that don’t yet have a sponsor or grant behind them. And the truth is—even small amounts add up in a big way for us.
If you’ve been meaning to join but haven’t yet, here's your chance to make a big impact for 2025.
Now that summer is nearing its close interest has really started to pick up for bookings for events, retreats, and programs for this fall and winter, so if you’re thinking about where to hold an upcoming celebration, retreat, or other event reserve your date soon.
If you’re not sure if we’re a fit for your event, please schedule a visit to the ranch or a Zoom to discuss possible options and prices. Email me to schedule a meeting or visit here. Our prices are reasonable and our facility is first class.
We welcome volunteers, both groups and individuals! If your organization offers volunteer days for employees, we’d love to partner with you.
Recently, teams from Orlando Health, the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, and several church groups have joined us to make a difference. Together, they’ve cleaned our barn, dusted and power washed the feed and tack shed, and even mucked in one of our pastures.
There’s always plenty to do to keep our facility running smoothly. Some ongoing volunteer activities include:
· Washing barn doors and windows
· Cleaning stall panels
· Weeding in our flower and herb gardens
· Tackling general maintenance projects (and getting some exercise along the way!)
If you or your team would like to get involved, please contact me to set up a date—we’d be delighted to have you join us.
We have a wonderful opportunity for our local friends and supporters to show their love! Join us at Apricot Lane Boutique on Thursday, September 18 for a Girls’ Night Sip, Shop & Support event.
Come enjoy a fun evening out while shopping, sipping, and supporting First Nature Foundation. A portion of sales will benefit our programs—so you can feel good about treating yourself and giving back at the same time.
Mark your calendars and bring a friend—we can’t wait to see you there!
A note from Allyn, our Executive Director:
As we look ahead to fall, I find myself especially hopeful. Our upcoming Whiskey Dinner on October 4 isn’t just an evening of good food, great company, and storytelling—it’s an opportunity to ensure the continued growth and stability of our Horse Wisdom for Heroes program.
Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship secured, and every auction item bid on helps us provide meaningful experiences for the veterans we serve. The support from our community makes it possible for us to keep saying “yes” to those who need us most.
I invite you to join us—whether as a guest, a sponsor, or a friend helping spread the word—and to see firsthand the difference your support makes. Because of you, veterans in our community can continue to find a place of strength and connection here.
From Our Hearts to Yours,
Kerul and Crew
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First Nature Ranch / First Nature Foundation
“Where the past, present, and future of leadership come together for the dignity and benefit of all.”
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