wfn.org | ABCUSA: Rainbow Acres Celebrates 30 Years

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Rich.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa.  12/13/04)--Rainbow Acres,
an American Baptist-related assisted-living facility in Camp Verde, Ariz.,
last month celebrated its 30th year of ministry to adults with developmental
disabilities.  

Rainbow Acres provides residents (known as "ranchers") opportunities for
personal growth emotionally, spiritually, cognitively, physically, socially
and vocationally.  It is related to National Ministries, American Baptist
Churches through the American Baptist Homes and Hospitals Association. 

Featured speaker and performer at the celebration was the well-known singer
and actor Pat Boone, who sang with the Rainbow Acres Rancher Choir.

Rainbow Acres founders Ralph and Marilyn Showers and Larry and Joy Goehner
were honored during the event, as were 30-year staff members Roberta Patrick
and Ellie Nakano and 30-year volunteer Mary Pendleton. Attendees came from as
far away as Hawaii and Canada. 

A special ceremony was conducted for the burning of the Rainbow Acres
mortgage. "This act lights the way for Rainbow's bright future, as we are now
debt free," said Rainbow Acres President and CEO Gary Wagner.

For additional information about Rainbow Acres visit www.rainbowacres.com or
call (928)567-5231.

K/2004ABNS/04ABN140

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org