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Sharon & Jerry Miller, Founders

RV.BG.MillerLegacy@gmail.com

512: 784-3879

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Advisory Group

Alex Beuning M.D.

Kristina Beuning Ph.D.

Mary Beyer

Adam Davila, Founder, Active Posture Care 

Suzanne Gonzalez,MA, Educator

Elizabeth Hart, Pres. & CEO,
  RISD Excellence in Education Foundation 

James Hopper (Parent)

George Hopper

Leonard Krugel, CPA

Michelle Krugel

Greg Lanier MDiv, MBA

Gerald H. Miller, Ph.D.

Lewis H. Miller MPP, J.D.

Shari Scholten, Sr. VP, Wells Fargo,The Private Bank

Jeanne White, Realtor

Sharon R. Miller, LCSW-Emeritus

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RVM TrailWays Newsletter is launched! Go To TrailWays Page

Moving Into 2012

The Name Change is official.  We are now the Robert V. and Benjamin G. Miller Fund. We invite you to read about this change in the Holiday TrailWays.  There will be numerous changes to the website over the next several months to reflect this very exciting change that brings Benjamin into "Our Story" and lays a pathway for a secure future in providing camping experiences for adults with disabilities.  We invite your questions, ideas and input as we keep on rolling forward!  There will be a full camp schedule in Austin this year so we really want to extend an extra special "thank you" for being a friend and supporter during the Holiday Campaign.

If you are able, and can consider a financial gift to support the camping and social connection experiences we will be providing through the Fund, we will so very grateful.  We know these are difficult times economically and we appreciate every communication of support--whether it be ideas, questions, volunteer activities, financial contributions, photos--all are appreciated.  We have been asked by several potential contributors about administrative expenses. We have none BECAUSE every administrative activity is done by volunteers.  Every donated dollar is used entirely for providing qualified staff, program supplies and a safe, secure camping environment for the campers. 

We are glad you can join us for the 2012 adventure. 

Sharon and Jerry Miller

Founders

OUR STORY

The idea of camping experiences for adults with disabilities began as a vision of the Miller family, after the passing of our son Robert in the Fall of 2005. Robert was born with severe disabilities, and truly enjoyed the time he spent attending camp as a child and young adult. Since his passing. the Robert V. Miller Fund was established to develop camping experiences and provide resources for adults to participate in camping experiences that provide fun, friends and support. These experiences for the campers also enable parents and caregivers to rest, relax and enjoy some time for themselves knowing that the person they love will be enjoying interaction with others.

Robert V. MillerRobert V. Miller

 Robert was born July 28, 1971 in Lansing, Michigan.  He passed on September 3, 2005 after a lifelong battle with debilitating effects of neonatal adrenal leukodystrophy ending with complications from congestive heart failure.  Throughout his life Robert inspired individuals placed in relationship to him.  No one was unaffected by his amazing intuition, his laugh, his joy of social connection. He considered his job an opportunity to do his best. He had few "things", "cared for few "things", and it was a significant gift when he gave his trust. 

Robert's laugh found a place in the heart and memories of all who knew him. His short sayings slip from the lips of family, friends and those who came into frequent contact with him.  You just couldn't help it.  Somehow his wisdom, insight, fight for life, and satisfaction from learning one new thing worked in him in a way that slipped inside you and made you want to get up and go out everyday.


HISTORY OF THE ROBERT V. MILLER FUND

The Fund was established in late Fall of 2005 in honor of Robert V. Miller.  A volunteer Advisory Group was launched  and an operational partnership was formed with a local non profit to develop pilot camping experiences and establish an annual fundraising campaign to provide resources to enable participation by low income adults with disabilities. Two pilot camp sessions were implemented in 2007, one site partner was selected, and one fundraising campaign was completed.  In 2008 three additional camps were held, the first alumni reunion was launched, a wheel chair accessible pathway was installed at the selected site and the Advisory Group completed a Project Report with recommendations developed from the camping experiences.  Campers then and Campers now give Rave Reviews.  A sixth camp was held in Spring of 2009 funded exclusively by Randall's/ Safeway.  Total number of supported camps had arrived at a nearly 100 marker!

Based on lessons learned in Phase I the Advisory Group launched Phase II in partnership with the Austin Community Foundation.  This partnership created the opportunity for two additional providers to apply for and receive grants from the Fund.  In six additional camps 350 individuals had an opportunity to participate in a full week or 4 day, overnight retreat weekend  A monthly social-recreational series launched in 2010 has enabled relationships to grow and strengthen throughout the year.  200 participants were part of the peer social program in 2010. Three camps are planned for 2011 in the Central Texas area.  An additional camp is being explored for location in SW Florida (More information to come).

We are touching the lives of new individuals each month and we are building connections. Rave Reviews continue.