Rays the Barr Foundation, Inc started as a way to honor our son, nephew, cousin, Raylan Barr, whom we lost September 6, 2023 after a swimming accident over Labor Day weekend. Raylan had just turned 4 years old.
We initially started a fund in Raylan’s name through the Chautauqua Regional Community Foundation in order to provide access to water safety programs for the kids in our community.
We want to be able to do more than the CRCF fund will allow each year. Therefore we started this Foundation in order to hold larger fundraisers and expand our community giving as a way to Raylan’s memory alive and prevent other families from having to endure this tragedy and pain.
Our Mission
Rays the Barr is a charitable foundation that was created in Raylan’s memory and strives to provide affordable access to water safety programs and provide personal flotation devices to the community.
We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills and have access to life-saving equipment. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to make our community safer and prevent water-related accidents and deaths. You can support our mission by donating to our cause, volunteering your time and skills, or spreading awareness about the importance of water safety. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.
Our Board
Board of Directors: Sandy Arndt, President & Co-founder; Nicole Barr, Secretary & Co-founder; Tricia Fitzgerald, Treasurer
Executive Committee: Oakleigh Gilbert, Olivia Nellis, & Amber Barr, Members at Large
