84-year-old veteran donated 207-acre llama ranch; now it is a sanctuary
In an inspiring act of philanthropy, Navy veteran Al Ellis has gifted his expansive ranch in Wyoming to a dedicated foundation. This sanctuary will cater to veterans and first responders, providing a serene environment for healing and family bonding. With the Boulder Crest Foundation’s specialized initiatives, the campus is anticipated to be operational by September 2027, transforming lives one…
Al Ellis, an 84-year-old Navy veteran, donated a 207-acre llama ranch to create a sanctuary for veterans, first responders, and their families. Ellis and his late wife Sondra spent decades building the ranch near their home in Boulder, Wyoming. Ellis, a former commercial driver and llama expert, turned a "hell hole" into a thriving llama business.
He was inspired to gift the land after watching a television interview with Johnny "Joey" Jones, a military veteran who lost both legs to a roadside bomb in Iraq. Ellis reached out to Jones for advice on how to donate his property to serve veterans and first responders. The Boulder Crest Foundation, co-founded by retired Navy bomb disposal specialist Ken Falke, accepted the donation.
Ellis and Sondra built the log home where they planned to spend their later years, surrounded by llamas. The Wyoming campus of Boulder Crest will offer programs to help veterans, first responders, and their families heal from trauma and find new purpose.
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