West Texas Boys Ranch Celebrates 70 Years at Annual Ranch Ball

SAN ANGELO, TX - For many people, turning the page on the calendar and seeing the word "January" at the top is motivating, inspirational and refreshing. For the staff at the West Texas Boys Ranch, 2017 is a huge milestone that marks their 70th year of operations. Through the WTBR program, thousands of boys have received services over the last seven decades, and many of the first residents are now Grandfathers.

Angelina Osornio Torres, public relations director of the WTBR said, "It opened in 1947 as a Christian home community, and has served as a trusted friend to parents who desperately needed help in raising their sons. WTBR is a safe home for boys to grow and learn, and a valuable resource in building better communities."

Boys ages 6 - 17 come from all parts of the United States to live on a real West Texas ranch that provides a safe and caring environment in which to live. Primarily funded by individuals, corporations, organizations, businesses and foundations, fundraisers are extremely important.

To kick off 2017, the first of many events hosted by the WTBR will be the Annual Ranch Ball, which takes place tonight, Jan. 14, at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, located at 4608 Grape Creek Road.

Torres said, "Doors open at 7 p.m. and will feature entertainment by Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys and Clearwater.

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Attendees will be served a traditional steak dinner and a cash bar will be available. A silent auction and photo booth will round out the festivities. The cost to attend is $100 per couple, or $350 for a table for eight. Tickets can be purchased by calling Kim or myself at the number listed below."

As for what to expect, Torres added, "This is actually the first one I've attended, so, for the attire, Western Sheik is what I've been calling it. It's going to be a great evening of entertainment, which will benefit a great cause."

Just a few of the WTBR events scheduled for 2017 include this one, a Claybird Shoot in April, the Wing Fling in September, and then the Rockin' the Ranch and West Texas Half Marathon are scheduled for October.

Emphasizing how important the mission of the WTBR is to the community, Torres referred to her favorite Fredrick Douglas quote that references investing in young men: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

She concluded, "That's what we do here."

 For more information, please contact (325) 949-1936, or visit WTBR's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/westtexasboysranch.