For the seventh year in a row, Al Roker and the Today Show are traveling the country with a large truck filled with goods that meet the needs of five different charities across the U.S. On Monday, April 14, the Idaho Youth Ranch near Rupert, Idaho was the first charity unveiled as clothing, furniture and food donations were unloaded from a Penske truck.
What this means for the Idaho Youth Ranch is threefold, according to Steve Woodworth, President & CEO. “Over five million viewers watched the moving portrayal of our organization, showcasing our success stories with at-risk youth and their families; we received valuable contributions; and we were able to share our story with thousands of Idahoans who now might seek help for a family member or friend in need.”
Aron Ralston--an avid rock climber who was forced to amputate his arm with a pocket knife after being pinned by a boulder in a remote area of Utah in 2003—joined in the recognition of the Idaho Youth Ranch, sharing his comments with Roker. Kim Mora, an Idaho Youth Ranch graduate, also shared her story of perseverance with Roker. And Idaho’s own Chef Mortimer participated in the Today Show’s cooking segment, demonstrating gourmet skills in a ranch environment.
The Idaho Youth Ranch(IYR) site near Rupert, Idaho, is a non-profit, non-denominational, residential treatment home with 24-hour supervision for at-risk youth typically affected by neglect or abuse at home, family conflict, mental health issues, substance abuse and/or juvenile crime. The unique ranch environment allows youth to participate in activities that support and impact emotional and social needs through counseling, education, 4-H, and horsemanship. The IYR operates five other residential homes in Idaho, and provides family counseling, adoption services, and foster care training. Revenue from 27 IYR Thrift Stores located throughout the state supports the homes, programs and services.
Columbia Sports Wear Company, Scholastic Inc., Converse, Ariat, JC Penney, Maytag, Saralee, Versatube, Lowes, Nike, Office Depot, General Mills, Idaho Potato Commission, Mazda and Penske.