GHOST RANCH 2016
EDUCATION & RETREAT CENTER
EXECUTIVE LETTER Dearest Friends, Every year at Ghost Ranch is exceptional in its continuing legacy of caring and transformational experiences for our guests. 2016 was even more uplifting in many ways: •
Thousands of adults, youth and children connected to one another, to our creation and Creator, to the broader community, and to their own awareness of their purpose and talent;
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New efforts in improvements to buildings, land, cleaning of flood damage, modifications to the new registration system, staff wellness and training and other infrastructure needs were addressed, with more added in the strategic plans;
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The financial picture is positive and while over 20% of each stay is subsidized through generous donations, donors are continuing their commitment to the annual fund, scholarships and special needs of the Ranch;
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The transition into the new legal structure was completed at year-end, allowing for stronger operational efficiencies for the Ranch and the Presbyterian Mission Agency, while remaining missionally-aligned and within the structure of the Presbyterian Foundation;
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The Ranch’s placement on the National Historic Registry, in recognition of its cultural, historical and scientific importance;
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2017 programming and retreats are growing strong in number and relevance in the areas of social justice and community outreach, creation care, adult and youth leadership and education, the sciences and arts, vocations and avocations, cultural enrichment, initiatives in Sabbath and reconnections, and the enrichment of lives through sacred, natural space, spiritual development and educational discoveries.
We thank you all for your love of Ghost Ranch, in all of its complexities and glory. In our new beginning, we invite you to continue to be a part of the legacy and success of Ghost Ranch. With appreciation and gratitude,
Debra Hepler Executive Director
Bill Ireland Chair, Governing Board
Tom Arenberg Chair, National Ghost Ranch Foundation
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Fiber Arts Studio. In 2016, all of the
Throughout the past year, generous donors
studios were relocated to new spaces with
have given Ghost Ranch $120,000 toward
new equipment. Renovated and adapted
flood recovery.
spaces were met with enthusiastic responses from instructors as well as guests. The
Repair projects include:
Social Center complex now serves as the
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Art Hub, an energetic environment for learning and creativity.
Purchase of art equipment and supplies
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Creation of temporary art studios and storage in the former Cantina
Additionally, a new Low Ropes Challenge
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The clean-up of Pot Hollow
Course was constructed adjacent to our
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Refurbishing of the ten weaving looms
High Ropes Course and Climbing Wall.
in Fiber Arts Studio •
Rebuilding the Low Ropes Course
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The soil study required for the place-
CHANNELING OUR CREATIVITY
The aqueduct coming out of Box Canyon that remains a challenge for Ghost Ranch.
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B
efore the July 7, 2015, flash flood,
The aqueduct at Ghost Ranch provides
Ghost Ranch is also pursuing federal and
glass art classes, ceramics and weld-
irrigation for the lawns, alfalfa field and
state funds for flood damage repair. With
ing workshops at Ghost Ranch were held in
farm. It will cost an estimated $500,000
these funding sources along with the cre-
Pot Hollow. The 2015 flood raged through
to rebuild. If it is not rebuilt within three
ative thinking and generosity of hundreds
the beloved Pot Hollow and washed away
years of the flood, the Ranch could lose its
of friends, we work toward building a new
Short House, the Pole Barn, the equipment
water rights.
aqueduct and allowing the water to flow
was also destroyed in the flash flood—and
ment of new permanent structures Razing and removal of Casa Allegre
again. El Agua Es Vida!
shed, the Low Ropes Course and the new
NGRF GOVERNING BOARD Emily Andrews Jubelt - Pacific Palisades, CA
Bill Ireland - Venice, CA
Diane Arenberg - Santa Fe, NM & Milwaukee, WI
Charles Jaynes - Albuquerque, NM
Tom Arenberg - Santa Fe, NM & Milwaukee, WI
Bill Major - Tulsa, OK
Connie Brakebill - Friendswood, TX
Manley Olson - Minneapolis, MN
Mary Ann Bumgarner - Tulsa, OK
Donald Serrano - Santa Fe, NM
David Burpee - Lincolndale, NY
Glen Snider - Safford, AZ
Dietmar Fritsch - Denver, CO
Leah Swearingen - San Diego, CA
Marcella Glass - Boise, ID
Lawrence Willis - Newport News, VA
Jon Hall - Alexandria, MN George “Skip” Herbert - Loveland, CO
Ex-Officio
Lynne Hohlfeld - Austin, TX
Brian Frick - Parksville, MO
Mark Hostetter - New York, NY
Debra Hepler - Abiquiu, NM
ENRICHING LIVES Enrichment through the renewal of faith and relationship with God, from the beauty and expansiveness of the landscape as well as from rich and diverse course offerings; courses designed to expand minds, hearts, creativity and awareness of how to live life more fully and authentically.
LADIES OF THE CANYONS EXHIBIT Southwest alongside several of the most daring women of the time. Curated by Geneva Boliek-Poling, Cornelia Bluel Gohlke and Carole Mathison the exhibition tells of the lives and passions of a group of strong, independent women as they uprooted from their comfortable lives in the East for adventure in the Southwest.
Lead curator Geneva Boliek-Poling finds authentic vintage clothing while visiting exhibit sponsor Santa Fe Vintage
O
n October 22, 2016, the new Ladies of the Canyons exhibit opened in the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology. The exhibit is based on Lesley Poling-Kempes’ book of the same name. The exhibit offers visitors a journey through 20th century
As they ventured into the wilderness, they traded the world of gender restrictions and expectations for an exploration of desert wilderness, artistic opportunities and exposure to Native American culture. Among these women were Ghost Ranch’s founder, Carol Bishop Stanley, and Native American activist, Natalie Curtis. These ladies created a new identity and a new society in the American Southwest for themselves and the women
who followed. They were feminists of their time. Chronicling this compelling adventure that shaped Ghost Ranch, the exhibit runs through October 2017.
10 YEARS OF EARTH HONORING FAITH For the ninth year, many minds gathered at Ghost Ranch in June to examine “Climate Justice,” part of the 10-year “Earth Honoring Faith: A Song of Songs” series. The course studied the way climate problems affect the least powerful people around the world. “Those who suffer most from climate change contribute to it the least,” said Larry Rasmussen, who launched the series in 2008. He is the Reinhold Niebuhr Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics at the Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Speakers included four distinguished college professors and two songwriters. The class included presentations, conversa-
tions, contemplative practices, prayer and ritual. The group also attended a Feast Day at nearby Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. Senior high youth at the Ranch were invited to sit in on the lectures. “At one time, it wasn’t popular to talk about Earth as a community, but now we have a sense that we belong to a community that’s much larger than ourselves,” Rasmussen said. Rasmussen is one of the world’s foremost Christian environmental ethicists. Among his 12 published books is the landmark, award-winning “Earth Community, Earth Ethics.”
COMMUNITY OUTREACH College Staff Scholarship Fund In the summer of 2015, the College Staff decided to create a scholarship fund for local high school Seniors to attend college. Generously choosing to eliminate some of their excursions, they used those funds instead towards the scholarship. Additionally, they raised money at weekly Coffee House shows as well as through a benefit concert that added nearly $600 more to the fund. By the end of their season, the 2015 Summer College Staff was able to raise a total of $1,500. With this money, the first annual Ghost Ranch College Staff Local Scholarship was established. In 2016 we awarded two deserving students $500; Lucas Rivera of Escalante High School in Tierra Amarilla, and Guadalupe Carranza-Alvarez of McCurdy Charter High School in Española. The remaining $500 will rollover to next year’s fund.
Community Day Camp For the fourth consecutive summer, Ghost Ranch offered Community Camp for children aged 3-18 who live in areas of northern New Mexico. Community Camp, held August 4-5, 2016 offered hiking, swimming, music, drama, canoeing, ecology, leadership and more. Children were transported to and from six elementary schools and libraries in the towns of Abiquiu, Gallina, Canjilon and Tierra Amarilla. Camp hours were extended for the children of Ranch staff members. “This week allows my kids to experience all that is offered at Ghost Ranch,” Eileen Garcia, a Ranch program assistant, said. “To see their faces lightup at the end of the day brings joy to my soul.”
1,289 STUDENTS
VISITED THE MUSEUMS
YAV -Young Adult Volunteers Return to Ghost Ranch The Young Adult Volunteer program of the Presbyterian Mission Agency is a one-year service opportunity for young adults from 19 to 30 years. YAVs live in intentional Christian community, deepening and developing their faith while serving alongside partners in sites across the United States and around the world. Each YAV experience is different, but all YAVs participate in a mutual discernment process, receive national and on-site orientation, work closely with mentors and peers, participate in vocational discernment activities, and integrate the whole experience at a Transition Retreat. Ghost Ranch has been host to the Transition Retreat for over twenty years, offering volunteers a safe place and focused time to share and process the stories of their experiences. In 2016 we welcomed the YAV Transition Retreat, September 22-25.
160 LOCAL KIDS
IN COMMUNITY DAY CAMP
200+ SCHOLARSHIPS
WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE SUPPORTED OVER 60 OTHER LOCAL GROUPS & INITIATIVES IN 2016 •
Abiquiu Elementary
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MATCH New Mexico (Mentoring and Tutoring Creates Hope)
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Abiquiu Fire Department
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Mercado at Ghost Ranch (with local artisans) and Consignment
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Abiquiu and El Rito Libraries
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Abiquiu and El Rito Studio Tours
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Monastery of Christ in the Desert
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Abiquiu Northern Youth Project
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Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert
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Abiquiu Schools
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Moving Arts Española
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Baltazar Mercure Kidney Transplant
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New Mexico Conference of Churches
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Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Northern New Mexico
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New Mexico Hospitality Association
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Bosque School
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New Mexico Natural Helpers (Student Leadership Program)
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Boys & Girls Club of Santa Fe – Del Norte
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New Mexico True Summer Reading Challenge
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Carson National Forest/Certification
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Ohkay Owingeh
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Chama Watershed
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Pajarito Environmental Education Center
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Center for Restorative Programs
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Pet Sense
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Community Youth Day Camp at Ghost Ranch
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Pilgrimage for Vocations
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Community Youth Swim Lessons at Ghost Ranch
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Rio Arriba County Fair
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Concerts (Bluegrass, Chorale, Men’s Ensemble, Gospel), 4th of July
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Rising Stars of the Southwest
Fireworks and Lectures at Ghost Ranch, all free to the community
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Rising Sun Ministries
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Dar al Islam
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Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Partnership (which includes hiring
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Dancing Earth
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El Mogote Co-op in Cañones
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Salvation Army Christmas Food Drive
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Española Farmer’s Market
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San Ildefonso Pueblo
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Española Valley Fiber Arts Center
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Santa Clara Pueblo
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Española YDI Head Start
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Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute
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EVCA Basketball, Española
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Scholarships for those in financial need and discounts for all Rio
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4-H of Rio Arriba
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Find Your New Mexico True Park
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Food Banks in Northern NM
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Grazing Program for local ranchers, Española to Chama
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Holding Courage Retreats for regional women with cancer
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The Equestrian Center
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Holmes Camp – New York
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Victory Men’s Spanish Group
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Keep Santa Fe Beautiful
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Warrior Expeditions (Veterans CDT Hike)
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La Madera Owl Peak Farm
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WildEarth Guardians
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La Mesa Presbyterian Church
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Luciente
works in Trading Post
of local youth)
WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS:
Arriba County residents for Ghost Ranch workshops •
Science Education Programs for 1,400+ Rio Arriba County children at Ghost Ranch museums, and curriculum for off site school program
75 INDIVIDUALS CONTRIBUTED 24,964 HOURS
AND OUR DONORS:
237 NEW DONORS IN 2016
GHOST RANCH STATEMENTS OF INCOME - Preliminary and Subject to Audit
Operating Expenses Facilities, Operations and Guest Services 1,572,705 Food Service & Housekeeping 1,111,717 Programs & Events 1,012,183 Other Operating Expenses 499,859 Total Operating Expenses Total Gross Operating Margin
Other Operating & Administrative Expenses
Net Margin (Loss) from Operations
1,764,027 1,197,514 954,530 554,806
4,196,464
4,470,877
485,439
(118,812)
967,515
1,033,963
(482,076)
(1,152,775)
Non-Operating Support Annual Fund Contributions 340,467 NGRF - Chimney Rock & Facilities Support 179,480
520,087 169,194
519,947
689,281
Total Non-Operating Support Abiquiu Operating Margin before Severance
$ 37,871 $ (463,493)
PCUSA Severance Obligation incurred on transition of operations to NGRF (279,650)
Santa Fe Carrying Costs Total Net Margin
2016 FINANCIALS
2016 2015 Operating Revenue Programs $ 1,652,513 $ 1,684,455 Groups & Overnight Stays 1,597,631 1,321,960 All Other Operating Income 1,431,760 1,345,651 Total Operating Revenue 4,681,904 4,352,066
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(32,273) $ (274,053)
(31,013) $ (494,506)
WAYS TO SUPPORT: Ghost Ranch has preserved and celebrated its rich resources within its towering rock walls, vivid colors and vast skies. We are committed to continue improving and enhancing the programs, grounds and facilities, in order to provide our guests a comfortable and awesome experience. Thank you to our faithful donors and supporters. We invite you to be part of the exciting legacy of Ghost Ranch through your annual fund donations. Please consider an increase in your annual contribution or begin a recurring gift program where the amount you designate will be charged to your credit card monthly. •
Bequests – Include Ghost Ranch in your estate plans
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Income Producing Plans – Charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts
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Give a gift of appreciated stock or mutual fund
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Life Insurance – Name the National Ghost Ranch Foundation as the beneficiary in your life insurance
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Over age 70½ - Additional tax benefit of contribution from IRA
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Employer Matching Gifts – Many employers will match charitable gifts to qualified organizations
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View our Special Project Donations online at: https://www.ghostranch.org/support/give/
GHOST RANCH BALANCE SHEET - Preliminary and Subject to Audit
Total Cash $20,668
Investments Long-term Investments held by the Foundation Other Assets Accounts Receivable Inventory and other current assets
Total Other Assets
Fixed Assets
Total Assets
$279,860
395,861
420,068
18,789 166,629
607 271,101
185,418 7,366,445 $ 7,968,393
271,708 6,603,873
$ 7,575,508
Liabilities Amounts due to the Presbyterian Church Other accounts and notes payable Deferred Revenue
$ 3,168,467 23,601 272,137
$ 3,025,717 139,078 429,359
3,446,688
3,594,155
3,698,433 409,893 (136,789) 532,650
3,183,388 377,897 (112,582) 532,650
4,521,705
3,981,353
Total Liabilities
Net Assets Unrestricted Net Assets and Plant Fund Temporarily Restricted Temporarily Restricted-La Bruzza Permanently Restricted-La Bruzza
Total Net Assets
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
$ 7,968,393
2016 FINANCIALS
December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Assets Cash Cash & Money Market Funds $14,204 $154,903 Petty Cash and Cash in Process 6, 464 124,956
$ 7,575,508
NOTES TO 2016 FINANCIALS 1) Continued a now 6-year trend of increasing operating revenues with 7.6% growth in 2016 as we continued to focus on Guest Services and new sources of revenue; operating revenues are up over 30% in 5-years. 2) Included in 2016 is $279,650 in severance and accrued vacation paid to Ghost Ranch employees as part of the transition from PC(USA) operations to operations managed by National Ghost Ranch Foundation. Abiquiu operations without Santa Fe carrying costs and this severance charge were profitable at $37,871. 3) Continued our investment in infrastructure improvements and flood repairs in 2016 with further improvements to rooms, additional new roofs, additional vehicles and other structural improvements. 4) Continued investment in improved social media skills and presence, enhanced and improved our website and searched for new ways of connection to our worldwide customer base. 5) All assets and liabilities of the Ranch were written off by PC(USA) as of December 31, 2016 coinciding with the transfer of Ghost Ranch operations from PC(USA) to National Ghost Ranch Foundation.