On Wednesday, August 6, 2014, members of the Cross Sound Ferry graciously granted a check for $10,000 to the Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch (THCR) in Riverhead. The generous donation was raised during the company’s Annual Fireworks Benefit Cruise, which was held on Saturday, July 12, aboard the John H. This year was the 25th anniversary of this celebrated East End charity event, which is always held on the second Saturday in July. During the previous 24 years of its existence, this benefit has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local organizations throughout the East End and all across Long Island.
“We are proud of our association with Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch and happy to make them this year’s Fireworks Cruise beneficiary,” said Stan Mickus, Director of Marketing at Cross Sound Ferry. “The programs offered by THCR to children and families in need are invaluable especially in today’s world. Any support we can lend to their efforts is worthwhile.”
The Cross Sound Ferry and Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch have had a continuing partnership for multiple years. Cross Sound Ferry regularly donates ferry tickets to all passengers heading to the Timothy Hill Camp in the Berkshires in Massachusetts. “Cross Sound and Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch have enjoyed a great working relationship for the last 7 years. THCR feels blessed to have a relationship with a company that is committed to helping the youth on Long Island that are in need of second chances at life,” remarked Thaddaeus Hill, the executive director of the Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch. “The THCR family is so grateful for the love and support we are regularly given from the Cross Sound family.”
Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch is a beautiful 70-acre horse ranch in Riverhead that provides a safe haven for at-risk youth from Nassau and Suffolk counties. This includes children and families that are struggling with issues of abuse, neglect, homelessness, drug addiction and post-incarceration. The residential programs center around education, vocational training, life coaching and spiritual guidance. All of the instruction takes place on this adventure-based ranch and the overarching goal of the environment is to change lives and help these troubled youths transition back into society as productive and stable adults.
Over 400 people were in attendance for the Cross Sound Ferry’s Fireworks Benefit Cruise. This event included a peaceful sunset cruise from Orient Point to New London and a spectacular fireworks display to follow. The benefit also raised funds for a perpetual scholarship fund that Cross Sound Ferry has set up for Greenport, Mattituck, and Southold High Schools. Each year, an award is given to a graduating senior from each of the three schools.
For more information, www.timothyhillranch.org.