(BRAZIL) – Leaders developing the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch for future law enforcement officers and at-risk kids today announced their 2019 employee and volunteer of the year.
Sam Windler – 2019 Employee of the Year
Sam Windler, son of Don and Virginia Windler of Lafayette, Ind., was named top employee of the new statewide not-for-profit.
“Sam learned hard work at his father’s construction company in Tippecanoe County,” said Scott Minier, ISYR’s interim executive director. “His successful studies at Central Catholic High School and now at Indiana State University helped provide us one of our best interns ever.”
Windler is credited with helping organize and schedule fundraising visits to numerous counties across Indiana. By year’s end, Windler’s project is expected to gross about $80,000 toward the build-out of the 62-acre training and recreational retreat for Hoosier teens.
Laurie Layton – 2019 Volunteer of the Year
Laurie Layton, wife of former Marion County Sheriff John Layton, was thanked as volunteer of the year for the Youth Ranch.
“Laurie stepped forward to recruit dozens of volunteers for our All-American Ribfest this summer,” Minier said. “Without her, we could not have pulled off such a large first-year music and food festival. Laurie found ticket takers, soft drink sellers, stagehands and cleanup crews.”
Layton staffed almost the entire event with family, friends and co-workers from her dual real estate and law enforcement careers – saving ISYR thousands of dollars in potential payroll expenses at the four-day downtown Indianapolis event, Minier said.
To volunteer, intern or donate to the Youth Ranch, write to: Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47832 or call toll-free: 833-IN-RANCH.
