You Only Are Disabled in an Environment that Makes You That Way
Philanthropist and Founder, Morgan’s Wonderland
Gordon Hartman is a philanthropist and former businessman who was born and raised in San Antonio. By the age of 23, he had started a land development company.
From his small efficiency apartment, Gordon founded Gordon Hartman Homes in 1983 and began to build homes for low-to-moderate income families. Over the next 22 years, his company grew into the largest locally owned home building and land development enterprise in San Antonio.
In 2005, Gordon sold his companies. That same year, he established The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, to which he and his wife, Maggie, have donated $15 million to date to pursue their dream of helping children and adults with special needs. Their devotion to this cause is inspired by their 17-year-old daughter, Morgan, who was born with cognitive and physical special needs.
In 2007, Gordon recognized the tremendous need for accessible outdoor facilities for individuals with special needs. By April 2010 he launched Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible family fun park designed with special-needs kids and adults in mind. More than 100,000 guests from all 50 states and 33 countries have visited. Park admission is free for those with special needs.
In August 2011, Gordon opened a school – Monarch Academy. It will provide students with special needs a unique learning environment that will enable them to reach their maximum individual potential. Initially the school will serve students ages 12 – 24 and plans for expansion call for a 21,000 square-foot learning facility on a site adjacent to Morgan’s Wonderland.
Find out more about Gordon and Morgan’s Wonderland on Twitter @MorgansWndrlnd or on Facebook
To contact Gordon, email: Becky@GordonHartman.com
Fun Fact:
Gordon loves whole olives. He will not eat sliced olives.
