Best Friends Farm Inc

This fundraiser’s goal is to support and alleviate the continued financial burden of running Best Friends Farm animal sanctuary, a small family run non-profit, so they can continue to provide a safe and peaceful home to formerly abused and neglected animals.

Best Friends Farm is home to over 76 animals, whose stories represent resilience. Take Casper the cow for example. Casper came from a small dairy farm and was set to be slaughtered, as is standard for male calves in the dairy industry. His owner surrendered Casper to Best Friends Farm after his grandchildren bonded with and advocated for him. Soon after, Blossom the cow, who was from the same farm, came too. Casper and Blossom had nursed from the same cow and had formed such a strong bond that after Casper left, Blossom shut down. At Best Friends Farm they will never be separated again.

Charlie, a fluffy brown bunny, is another survivor who takes refuge at Best Friends Farm. Charlie was rescued from a meat farm when the owner closed down the operation. Charlie and his roommate Olivia were placed at Best Friends Farm, but devastatingly, the remaining bunnies were sent to slaughter. Best Friends Farm works to prevent outcomes like this. Animals are emotional, social and intelligent beings and Best Friends Farm gives them the ability to live out their lives with the peace and dignity that they deserve.

Cecilia, the sanctuary’s owner, is a firm believer in the power of the human-animal bond. Through her experience working with animals as therapy for children of all abilities, she has witnessed how the empathy, patience and strength from the animals have strong impacts on children's progress and success. The sanctuary provides therapy horse services to children with special needs, which is a data proven beneficial service. Learning communication with a trusting horse can act as a stepping stone to improved communication with human animals. Additionally, animals provide unconditional love which supports the children and helps them develop empathy. Best Friends Farm can only provide this as an equitable and accessible service with the support of donors and volunteers.

Best Friends Farm is a family mission and family legacy. Protecting animals has always been Cecilia and Roberto’s passion, and through the sanctuary they have raised their children to share in their empathy and care for the voiceless in society. While this started as Cecilia’s dream, her daughter Sophie became her partner and right-hand man, furthering the cause. She inspired everyone around her to treat animals with respect. In 2022, she passed away at age 19, and the sanctuary continues its mission in her dedication. It is the continuation of her respect for life, empathy, and the love that she emanated.

Cecilia and Roberto run the sanctuary with dedication, gratitude, passion and sacrifice, however, the sanctuary cannot function without support. The daily feeding, routine and emergency veterinary care, and farrier visits are the biggest expenses at the sanctuary. Did you know that the monthly hay cost alone is $1,000? The farrier, who comes every 6-8 weeks, costs $500 (she just raised the price). The cost of the grain for all of the animals is an average of $400 a month. As a non-profit rescue organization, these figures do not include salaries, facility maintenance or bedding straw costs. Best Friends farm is a 501(c)3 charity, so all donations are tax-deductible!

Best Friends Farm always appreciates the generosity and involvement of people like you. Thank you for hearing our story and please consider donating what you can for both the animals and the people they support!