For years, Old McMickey’s Farm was a favorite for Bay area children of all ages. It’s on part of a historic Camp Keystone in Odessa.
But the farm, which opened in 1991, closed down and was bought in 2006 by Everyday Hero and real estate builder Ralph Zuckerman.
Ralph planned to develop and build homes. But the farm had better ideas.
“I purchased the property, and it may sound funny, but just something inside me told me that just hold on and to look into this further,” Ralph said.
Ralph decided there was something far more important here. It was time for a new Old McMickey’s.
The property is now considered a children’s education farm, where kids can get up close and personal with farm animals. The tour also includes an old-fashioned hayride.
“We actually purchased a 1949 Ford antique tractor that would have been used back when the camp was established to do hayrides and we got our hay wagon from Vermont,” Ralph said.
Ralph has also started some key camp programs, like “1,000 Kids,” which brings 1,000 children with challenges to spend a day at the camp for free. Last year, the farm topped the 1,000 child mark. So far, they’re on track to do the same this year.
There’s also something for wounded veterans. The “Mission I Do” program provides all-inclusive dream weddings for men and women hurt in combat.
Ralph is also a strong advocate of child adoption. In June, he will host a child adoption education day at the farm. And for Ralph, all of those missions beats many new homes, hands down.