About this Nominee
The Barr family purchased the Hill Country property that Candlelight Ranch calls home in 1999 as a family retreat so their children, grandchildren, and future generations could experience the peace and magic of nature. Shortly after purchasing the property, Don Barr and his wife, Jeri, along with Don’s brother, Randy Barr, wanted to share a piece of their beautiful property with children who would likely never experience the wonders of nature. Together, they turned their passion for the outdoors into a mission and started Candlelight Ranch.
Candlelight Ranch provides educational and nature-based experiences for families and children of all abilities and needs to learn, explore, and heal. The beautiful 41-acre Ranch located in Marble Falls offers nature-based curricula to 35+ local non-profits and schools through overnight, weekend, and day programs filled with outdoor and natural science education, therapy, and challenge courses. Additionally, families served also come from backgrounds in military service, foster care, refugees, and immigrant families. For many children and families who visit the Ranch, this is the first time they have ever spent a day immersed in nature, often due to financial or accessibility barriers. This year, the Ranch celebrates its 25th anniversary of service, and additionally, this past March, the Barr family gifted the property on which Candlelight Ranch operates, ensuring future generations of Central Texans can benefit from the safe and protected outdoor environment in perpetuity.
The youth and family-focused programs of the Ranch create lasting impacts, providing opportunities for children to build resiliency, cultivate respect for our natural environment, and develop positive connections with family members and peers. From the humble dream of the Barr Family to create joy and connect children to nature, Candlelight Ranch grew into the organization it is today, serving 1,700 children and caregivers each year and giving a chance for children of any ability or background to experience their “best day ever” at the Ranch.