CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN — Shane Sullards understands exactly how Christian-based children’s home Eagle Ranch can make a difference in a child’s life.

He should know, as Eagle Ranch has been a part of his life since he was a kid.

"I grew up there," Sullards said. "I went to the ranch in 1989 and spent 3« years as a boy and then worked there for two years as an assistant counselor."

He continued to stay in touch with the children’s home after he graduated in 1992, and now works with Eagle Ranch to make a difference in children’s lives in another part of the world.

Sullards is a managing partner at Lap Dog Inc., a corporate development and team building firm in Hall County that is working with Eagle Ranch to help La Casa de Mi Padre orphanage in El Salvador expand its services.

"They are the only ones we know in Central America transitioning an orphanage from a housing facility to a treatment facility, and they’re modeling that off (Eagle Ranch)," Sullards explained.

He traveled with a small group of volunteers in February to build a ropes course and train the staff on how Eagle Ranch staff work with the children.

And as he and his company know, the ropes courses can teach participants about teamwork and self worth, Sullards said.

"We built some of those for the orphanage on some property they have to work with," he said.

"The kids to develop self-confidence and camaraderie. A lot of these courses are challenging but they gain a lot of self-esteem."

Sullards will be traveling back to the orphanage in El Salvador with a group of five people, a trip that he hopes to make once a year in the future to continue building a relationship with the staff and children there.

"It’s very neat. The people there are so genuine, so giving of their time, of their efforts, of their talents," Sullards said. "We hope to have a long-standing relationship with them. The best analogy I can think of is, it’s like going to the gym. If you go one time to the gym, you’re not going to leave fit. It’s a consistent, intentional process. It takes time, it takes energy, it takes effort."

And to raise funds for the trip, Lap Dog Inc. has joined with Chateau Elan to raffle off a two-night stay at the Braselton resort and a round of golf for four.

Raffle tickets are still on sale for $10 each. Winners will be chosen Friday.

For more information on the trip or the raffle, e-mail Sullards at shane@lapdoginc.com or call 770-536-0400.