Endowment Fund Established to Promote Child Water Safety

After experiencing an unthinkable tragedy that took the life of their beloved son Raylan, Nicole Barr and husband Jeff were faced with a number of trying conversations and decisions. Many were exhausting, and none were insignificant, but one would prove to breathe life into Raylan’s impact on the world.

Raylan Barr was every bit the happy, angelic child that lived to jump out of bed and tackle whatever the day had planned. “Sweet Face” to those close to him, he walked with a jubilant elation for life that brought smiles and positivity to everyone around him. Whether helping daddy with tomatoes, blowing mom a kiss through the school window, or fishing with papa and daddy, he found joy in life, and brought joy to others. Whatever the occasion, Raylan’s personality was on full display and at full speed, and there were few chances the young red-head missed in making the world a brighter place.

Unfortunately, Raylan’s time laughing and smiling with his loved ones came to a sad end, when he was found unconscious in a swimming pool during a Labor Day party. Far too young, the happy, promising child passed away at Oishei Children’s Hospital on September 6th, 2023, at the age of 4.

In the wake of Raylan’s passing, his family contacted the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, and established an endowment fund in Raylan’s name. The Raylan Barr Water Safety Accessibility Fund is a donor advised fund supporting affordable access to water safety programs for youth and providing personal floatation devices to the community.

“We’re aiming to make our community safer, preventing water-related accidents and deaths and spreading awareness about the importance of water safety,” noted Nicole Barr. “We know what it’s like to experience the loss of a child, and we’re making it our mission to help others avoid the same unfathomable tragedy.”

While saving lives and support for the community are at the root of the Raylan Barr Water Safety Fund, the efforts will provide a new sense of purpose and pride for the Barr family. “Raylan’s smile and personality were far too bright to leave after just four years,” his mother added. “By establishing the endowment fund, Raylan’s name will forever be tied to life-saving efforts for children throughout our region. We can’t begin to imagine what his legacy might have been otherwise, but it’s clear as day what it will be moving forward.”

“The widespread support for Raylan’s fund has been tremendous,” noted Tory Irgang, Executive Director at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. “The Barr family is providing the region with a positive resource, and we’re looking forward to the impact it will make on our community in the years to come.”

Donations to grow the Raylan Barr Water Safety Accessibility Fund can be made online at crcfonline.org/give or by mailing a check to Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations and local students pursuing higher education. For more information visit www.crcfonline.org or contact Lisa Lynde, Donor Services Officer at 716-661-3390 or llynde@crcfonline.org.