SUNSHINE ON A RANNEY DAY

Making a Difference: Couple gives dream room makeovers to kids with long-term illnesses

By Clare S. Richie

This holiday season let a little sunshine into your heart. That’s what Holly and Peter Ranney did in 2012 when they co-founded Sunshine on a Ranney Day (SOARD), a nonprofit that creates dream room makeovers in the greater Atlanta area for children with long-term illness and injury.

As Holly worked for Rooms to Go Kids in design and product development, she knew she could use her skills and industry connections to reach children in need. Her husband Peter, an accountant by day, grew up learning about construction from his father and developed an aptitude for custom design projects. He agreed to manage the projects and volunteer alongside licensed professionals.

“We decided to focus on children with long-term illnesses or injuries because these children face challenges each day and deserve a special place where they can heal, both physically and emotionally,” Holly said. “We try very hard to ease the burden on these children and their families.”

SOARD thoughtfully selects each child to serve based on need, location and project size. The child’s wishes and needs drive the design process and then the family lets SOARD takeover until the big reveal.

The Brain Tumor Foundation for Children referred Mathew for the first makeover. Since Mathew aspired to join the military, Holly designed his bedroom to look like a bunker. SOARD connected with nearby Robins Air Force Base, which donated military paraphernalia, arranged for Mathew to fly in a small plane, and gave Mathew a full military salute at his reveal.

“I cry at every reveal,” Holly said. After weeks working tirelessly nights and weekends (in addition to her day job), these were likely tears of relief, joy, and hope.

By the time Holly and Peter embarked on their fourth makeover, they wanted to do more. Gavin battled the physically and mentally debilitating Mitochondrial disease. By day, he attended numerous therapy sessions. At night, he slept with his parents to keep him safe when his muscles shook with spasms.

“After meeting the family, we decided to convert their unfinished basement into a therapy space in addition to redoing Gavin’s and his sister’s bedrooms,” Holly said. “We had $2,000 in our account but decided to go big or go home!”

Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, SOARD completed a $40,000 makeover and Gavin could sleep easy in his own custom-made bed in his baseballthemed room.

“The makeover for Tripp Halstead was another turning point for us,” Holly reflected. “We connected with people around the world, who were touched by his story and our mission.”

Young Tripp suffered multiple skull fractures when a huge tree limb fell on his head as he played outdoors.

After many surgeries, his parents were preparing to bring Tripp home to a ranch-style house they planned to remodel. SOARD stepped in to transform their home into a comfortable, functional and fully-accessible home.

“This time we had $5,000 to start with, and completed a $200,000 makeover thanks to the support of businesses, sponsors, donors, and hundreds of volunteers,” Holly shared. More than a million people watched Tripp’s reveal on WSB’s live stream.

A $50,000 donation followed from Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies, giving Holly the confidence to leave her corporate job in 2014 and work full-time for SOARD. With her full focus, SOARD doubled its makeovers this year reaching more than two-dozen families since its inception.

Countless partners join and stay with SOARD. Rooms to Go has donated furniture since the beginning. Muralists, interior designers, and graphic designers return to share their time and talent. Reliable Heating & Air first helped out on a makeover for an employee’s son, Charlie, who is wheelchair bound and unable to move freely throughout his house and access the bathroom on his own. Reliable donated electric, plumbing, and HVAC services to give Charlie independence and accessibility and is now a partner for life.

SOARD families also pay it forward by engaging with new families, helping on makeovers, fundraising, and supporting each other.

The future looks bright for this inspirational nonprofit. SOARD just moved into its new office in historic Roswell. Holly and Peter plan to increase the number of makeovers and expand the geographic area served, spreading more sunshine.

Support SOARD and buy a Sunshine Chair for a loved one or donate to Toys for Tots at www. sunshineonaranneyday.com/shop.