The Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) was founded in 2014 in memory of Leon Irons, a US Navy veteran. A 501 (c) 3 public charity and a pioneer in the field of military and veteran wellness.What veterans find upon entering the gates of The Big Red Barn Retreat is a warm and inviting environment, surrounded by 75 acres of wooded natural beauty. Although there are vast differences in their backgrounds and situations, each of our heroes shares an important connection: they have proudly served their country. Their struggles will become the catalyst for positive change, ultimately unlocking hope, love, and connection and creating Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).

EXPLORE HOW YOU CAN HELP THE BIG RED BARN RETREAT GIVE BACK HOPE TO OUR HEROES

Although nonprofits often focus on procuring cash donations, gifts from donors may come in many forms. Please take time to search our list of naming opportunities highlighted below and consider how you can make a difference in the lives of our state’s military warriors. Whether it is the name on a building, courtyard, or arena, names show how support from generous donors is woven into the very fabric of the Big Red Barn Retreat.

As a donor, you can be a part of this critical giving program. Depending on your giving interests, there are a wide range of naming opportunities at the Big Red Barn Retreat.

Leon Irons Lodge: Naming Opportunities within the Lodge

Undergirding the programs and services, particularly Warrior PATHH, is the generosity of the Irons' Family and their willingness to share their home. Built in memory of Leon, they refer to the house as the LEON IRONS LODGE. The Lodge, an almost 7,000 square foot log home will be the nexus of the Warrior PATHH program and its validated science of Post-Traumatic Growth curriculum.

Features: The Leon Irons Lodge will feature 8 bedrooms/bathrooms with doors and windows to the natural environment for individual Warrior PATHH participants, large catering kitchen, smaller kitchen, music room, and large meeting areas. An outside courtyard behind the home will provide many opportunities for bonding and re-connection.

Room Naming Opportunities

As a way of honor a loved one who may have served in the armed forces and to help support the Warrior PATHH program, the guest rooms will be available to name. That way, participants in the Warrior PATHH program will feel both the connection to the sacrifice and honor of previous heroes, plus the memory of your loved one will live on in the hearts of our those attending the program. Along with an outside placard identifying the name of the room, inside will be a photo with an accompanying history of your loved one's time in service.

Arena Naming Opportunity

“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man”  -Winston Churchill

Horses demand authenticity and perceive the emotions and energy of humans.  Horses also insist that humans be congruent- and recognize the alignment between your thoughts, feelings and actions. Using the proven power of horses, we are able to help veterans and active duty service members get connected within, and regain their bearing

The BRBR has a large arena that is used as space for the group equine assisted activities, in addition to the retreats for Fort Jackson drill sergeants and their spouses.  The arena, situated in a prominent place on the BRBR campus, is visible not only from a major highway, but also immediately upon entrance to the retreat. The is not covered and therefore subject to weather.  The open 100 x 200-foot arena is currently subject to the capricious South Carolina weather. Participants suffer in the inordinately hot and humid SC summers with its blazing heat and glaring sun and dodge often quick and dangerous thunderstorms. Oftentimes, programs have to be cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather conditions. 

As part of our 2020 expansion program to launch Warrior PATHH, it is necessary we have a covered arena. A protected arena would allow equine assisted sessions, including Warrior PATHH, group therapy, and CRP to not only continue as scheduled. A shielded space will also provide an outside area for other activities, such as archery, part of the Warrior PATHH learning curriculum. The archery range is currently situated in a wooded area; however, the archery component could still continue during rain or other severe weather. Work has begun on designing the arena and securing permits

Naming Opportunity & Gift Amount

Warrior PATHH Guests (8 available) - $50,000 each

Arena/Pavilion - $300,000