Now in its 43rd year, Edgewood Children's Ranch's Country Round-Up Dinner & Auction is scheduled for 6 p.m. on September 25 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee. The evening includes dinner, silent and live auctions, and a welcome reception.
The West Orange Times & Observer reported on the event. Organizers say proceeds will support the children and families served by Edgewood; the ranch describes its work as grounded in faith, love and education.
IRS Form 990 filings for the fiscal year ending June 2025 show the ranch generated $2,368,503 in total revenue, with $2,230,370 of that coming from gifts, grants and private contributions, according to Cause IQ. The figures underscore the importance of fundraising events like the Country Round-Up for the organization's work.
A Ministry Born From a Judge's Idea
Edgewood Children's Ranch traces its roots back to 1966, when Orange County Juvenile Court Judge D. Arthur Yergey and John W. “Jack” Lynd founded the organization, per the ranch's own account. The operation began small, starting in a single house with just two young boys before it grew into something much bigger.
The ranch's campus was made possible by a land donation from Minnie Rouse.
How the Ranch Actually Works
At the heart of Edgewood is its residential “cottage life” program.
Florida's Residential-Care Trend
A June 2023 report from the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Child Welfare-Performance and Quality Improvement said the statewide number of children placed in group homes and residential treatment facilities had been declining since July 2019. That trend offers broader context for residential programs but does not describe Edgewood's placements or establish a shift between family foster care and residential care.
On-site schooling comes through Edgewood Ranch Academy.
In September 2023, the ranch expanded its offerings further by launching Hope Farm.
A Legacy Honored, A Mission Continued
The ranch's family-focused work got a formal tribute this year when it dedicated its Family Care Center in honor of Joanie Consolver, who spent 43 years with the organization across multiple leadership roles, including executive director.
