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.
September 2025
First Nature Notes: Give Back This Season - Volunteer, Attend, or Donate
Dear Friends of First Nature Foundation,
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We’re still on a cloud! Less than 48 hours ago, the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet brought together so many outstanding people and organizations to celebrate their achievements—and First Nature Foundation was honored to receive the Nonprofit of the Year award. This recognition has not only reconnected us with familiar faces in the community but also introduced us to new local leaders. These connections will help us expand our programs and secure the funding support needed to sustain them
We’re grateful for the slight break in the heat—just a few degrees cooler makes all the difference! The weather is shaping up perfectly for our Whiskey Dinner Fundraising Event on Saturday, October 4, and we still have tickets available. We would love for you to join us for an unforgettable evening.
The night will feature:
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Photo opportunities with our horses
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Fun games and activities
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Cocktails and mocktails
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A three-course catered dinner with whiskey pairings
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Insights and stories from master distillers
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Silent auction items, networking, laughter, and more
This event directly supports our Horse Wisdom for Heroes program, and we are proud to partner with Hooten Young Distillery, a top whiskey brand with veteran ownership. Hooten Young was founded by retired Special Mission Unit Master Sergeant Norm Hooten, the real-life “Hoot” portrayed in Black Hawk Down.
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A heartfelt thank-you to The Transition House for stepping up as our Catering Sponsor, and to Liberty Legion Outfitters for joining us as our Pumpkin Sponsor. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year—your support makes all the difference. See below for ticket details and remaining sponsorship opportunities.
Please note: the ticket window closes on Monday, so secure your spot soon!
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Love golf? Passionate about supporting veterans?
Here’s a perfect opportunity to combine both! We are excited to be selected as one of the nonprofit beneficiaries of the Citrus Club Charity Classic Golf Tournament, taking place at Rio Pinar Country Club in Orlando on Veterans Day, November 11.
All proceeds from this event benefit nonprofits that support veterans, and the funds shared with us will go directly to our Horse Wisdom for Heroes program. You can make a huge difference by donating or sponsoring this event! See the link below for more details.
Earlier this month, we hosted a Nonprofit Leaders Roundtable, a gathering of local movers and shakers making a real impact in our community. One goal of the event was to explore opportunities for collaboration, and several exciting possibilities are already taking shape, including possibly hosting this event quarterly.
Do you have an event, retreat, or program that needs a standout venue? First Nature Ranch might be the perfect fit. If you’re unsure whether we’re the right match, we’d be happy to schedule a visit to the ranch or a Zoom call to discuss options and pricing. Email me to set up a meeting. We offer excellent value and a first-rate venue that will make your event memorable.
Looking for some low-key fun and a chance to hang out with some sweet horses? Volunteering at the ranch, or helping with other nonprofit needs like grant research and writing, volunteer coordination, or supporting our events, might be just your thing.
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We welcome both individual volunteers and groups. If your organization offers volunteer days for employees, we can help coordinate that too. This year, teams from Orlando Health, the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, and several church groups have joined us, helping with tasks such as:
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Cleaning and maintaining the barn
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Dusting and power washing the feed and tack shed
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Mucking pastures
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Washing barn doors and windows
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Cleaning stall panels
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Weeding flower and herb gardens, which is all great exercise
We’re always looking for hands-on help to keep our facility in top shape. If you’d like to volunteer, please reply to this email to set up a date.
The holidays are just around the corner. Do you have loved ones who are animal lovers, or someone who could use a little breather, some calm, and relaxation? Consider gifting them—or yourself—a Serenity Session at the ranch.
Each session offers a chance to meet our sweet herd and spend a relaxed, supervised hour with the horse of your choice. You can help feed, groom, and simply enjoy time with one of our horses in their stall, the arena, or the pasture. Booking early ensures you can choose your ideal date and time for this delightful, rejuvenating experience.
You can purchase a gift certificate for a Serenity Session by emailing our Executive Director Allyn at allyn@firstnaturefoundation.org.
A note from Allyn, our Executive Director:
As we enter the season of giving, I’m inspired by the incredible impact your support has on First Nature Foundation. Whether you join us for the Whiskey Dinner Fundraiser, volunteer at the ranch, or contribute in other ways, you help make programs like Horse Wisdom for Heroes possible.
Your generosity allows us to create meaningful experiences for both our community and our herd, and every gift—big or small—makes a real difference. Thank you for being part of our mission and helping us continue this work that transforms lives and creates the smiles you see below!
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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