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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 non
profit 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
Special
Peter and Holly Ranney.
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 baseball-
themed 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. OS
■F Happy
s Holidays
and a Joyous
New Year
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