Ramona Rodeo Foundation pledges $221,000 for park and six local groups

The Ramona Rodeo Foundation has pledged $200,000 to Ramona Community Park and $21,000 to six local organizations, and also established two new funds, one for residents in crisis and another for student scholarships, officials said.

The foundation will provide $20,000 annually for the next 10 years for Ramona Community Park, a 166-acre park with soccer and softball fields that is managed by the Ramona Municipal Water District. The funds will be used to assist with park improvements and long-term sustainability, said Charlie Koehler, president of the Ramona Rodeo Foundation, who made the announcement on Oct. 24.

“Ramona Community Park is more than just a venue — it’s a place where our community gathers, celebrates, plays, and connects,” Koehler said. “This contribution represents a major step forward in the foundation’s mission to give back to the Ramona community and support the facilities that make local events and activities possible.”

The foundation and water district plan to work together to determine the best and most sustainable ways to apply the funds over the years ahead, he said.

Ericka Wolski, general manager of the water district, said the foundation is a model for what they hope to see from other nonprofit event partners.

“Their commitment to giving back to the community and partnering with RMWD to reinvest in the park where they host their events ensures this space will continue to serve local nonprofit organizations for years to come,” Wolski said. “This collaboration embodies what makes Ramona so special — people and organizations working together to make our community a better place.”

Six Ramona organizations — Ramona Kiwanis, NJROTC, Ramona Pop Warner, Hearts & Hooves, Boy Scouts and Back Country Heroes — received a total of $21,000 in donations from the foundation, which was distributed at a Nov. 8 event.

“These groups serve Ramona in meaningful ways — from youth development to community service to veteran support,” said Janina Olson, foundation director. “We’re proud to support the people, programs, and volunteers who strengthen our community every day.”

The Foundation announced the creation of two funds — the Community Crisis Fund and Scholarship Fund — on Nov. 6.

Seeded with $10,000, the Community Crisis Fund was created to provide immediate financial assistance to Ramona residents facing unexpected emergencies or crises.

“Whether it’s a sudden medical expense, loss of income, natural disaster or other life-altering events, the fund allows the Foundation to respond quickly, offering a hand up when time and compassion matter most,” Koehler said. “No one should feel alone or like they have nowhere to turn during a crisis.”

Requests will be kept confidential and evaluated by the foundation board based on urgency, impact and available resources, he said, adding requests will be reviewed as quickly as possible. 

Beginning with a $10,000 annual commitment, the Scholarship Fund will provide financial support to students in the Ramona Unified School District for a wide range of educational opportunities, including college, vocational training, trade programs and other skill-building pathways.

The scholarships will be administered through the district’s scholarship program. 

“Our scholarships are intended to recognize and support all forms of learning and growth,” said Pat Donovan, vice president of the foundation. “Whether a student is pursuing higher education, trade skills, or other career-focused training, we want to help them take the next step toward success.”

Jess Koehler, foundation secretary, summed up the recent work of the foundation.

“There is a lot of work that needs to be done to the park, and to give back in a significant way is very important to the foundation,” she said. “The Scholarship Fund has been a goal of the board for awhile, and we wanted to make sure the Fund was inclusive for whatever the students’ goals might be.

“With the Community Crisis Fund, we wanted to be able to respond quickly to the people who need the help the most,” she said. 

Fundraising efforts allow the foundation to support local initiatives, foster a spirt of unity and enhance the quality of life in Ramona, she said.

The annual Ramona Rodeo is the group’s largest and best-known fundraiser. Public contributions to the funds are also welcomed, with every dollar donated going 100% directly to the designated funds, officials said. For more information, visit: https://ramonarodeofoundation.com.  

To request assistance from the Community Crisis Fund, applicants need to fill out a form on the website: https://ramonarodeofoundation.com/community-crisis-fund/.