info@storybookranch.org
3701 S. CUSTER, MCKINNEY, TX 75070
972-369-0874
2013 Ranch Fire
01/04/13
As most of you know,
Storybook Ranch sustained the loss of one of the events buildings on the site.
The Wild Bill's/Calamity Jane's entertainment pavilion & building was
destroyed by a fire on January 3rd of this year. Though we lost this building, we still have our
other buildings on the grounds and are still open and going forward. We are still taking
reservations on events at the ranch, utilizing our other facilities. We have to
take special measures right now to make sure that the fire damage is not a threat
to our guests who want to come out and visit the ranch currently. So please
call and schedule your trail rides, lessons, petting zoo visits and other
activities with us before hand so we can make sure to provide you with the most
current information and best service possible while we reconstruct our event
center for your future use.
Our ranch foreman,
Mike Javier, lost everything he owned in the fire as well. He lived onsite, in
the upstairs apartment, taking care of the ranch. He was in his home when the
fire started. Mike has been a dedicated member and fixture around the ranch
since it opened up.
Mike was trapped in
the upstairs loft when the fire broke out. He dialed 911 and waited for the
fire rescue team. When the team arrived, they found Mike in one of the upstairs
"crow's nest" windows, signaling them with a flashlight.
Miraculously, the place that Mike took shelter from the fire was not burned up.
All around the spot he waited was ablaze with nearly 25 foot flames, while he
perched in the small spot, sheltered from the smoke fumes and flames.
The fire rescue team
was able to send up a rescue and break the window, saving Mike from what would
have been a tragic ending. As fate would have it, the winds were not blowing
that night, the fire did not jump to other surrounding buildings or trees, the
fire crew was swift in their actions and an angel was watching over Mike.
We lost a building
full of memories and good times that children and adults from all
around the community have enjoyed. But with help from community, we will pull
together, raise funds, and rebuild another pavilion and entertainment center
where we can bring new memories to under privileged and special needs children
and many other people who just love a Storybook ending.
We have set up a
donation collection to help rebuild the ranch so we can continue providing our
guests and friends with a place to hold special events. We are also taking up a
collection to help Mike rebuild his life. With your help, we can start a new
chapter here at Storybook. Please show us your support and donate to our cause today. We gladly are accepting clothing
and household donations for Mike as well as monetary donations for rebuilding
efforts. If you would like to donate your time and help us clean up and
rebuild, we would appreciate that as well. Please contact our main number at
972-369-0874 to find out how to donate. You can also donate through our website
or Facebook site via a secure PayPal option.
We can't thank you enough for your support and generosity in helping us
in our moment of need. The quicker we rebuild our events center, the quicker we
are able to provide a place to you, our distinguished guests. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Storybook Ranch
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Breaking News....
01/03/2013
Storybook Ranch's beloved Wild Bill's & Calamity Jane's events and entertainment facility was engulfed in flames tonight (01/03/2013) Thankfully, no people or animals were hurt during this disaster. We do not have information this time as to how much damage has been done, but we do know that we will need to rebuild. Keep Storybook Ranch in your thoughts and wishes tonight, that those affected by the loss will be able to recover and rebuild from this devastation.
We will continue to update our beloved guests and friends of the ranch about the damage and our rebuilding efforts. We know that with support from our community and friends, much like the legend of the Phoenix, we will begin again out of the ashes.
Storybook Ranch
A River Ranch Educational Charities 501(c)(3) Facility in McKinney, Texas
Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved. Info@storybookranch.com