Save Allard Farm!!

UPDATE

Thank you to all that have donated! Using some of these funds, Allard Farm retained a lawyer and filed the appeal this week! We couldn't have started the appeal without all of you. Hoping to reach our goal of $30,000 to help continue the process.

Thank you very much.

Brewster’s Allard Farm on 6A in East Brewster needs your help! One of the Lower Cape’s oldest family farms is at risk of being sold and developed.

As locals know, John Allard, who was born and raised on the property, has worked the family farm since his parents started Allard Nurseries in the late 60s (with the exception of schooling and years served in the U.S. Air Force). Marjorie, John’s life partner, has worked side by side with John on the property for the last 10 years. But now, due to a recent court decision in a family dispute about the property, the farm may be closed for good and the property sold. Marjorie and John need your financial help to try to stop this outcome, which can only happen if they appeal the court decision.

The situation/background:

The property on which Allard Farm sits was most recently owned by Robert (John’s brother). Sadly, in January 2022, Robert passed away after a 10-year battle with cancer.

Robert’s intention, as he discussed repeatedly with John, Marjorie, and John’s son Tucker, was that the family property be passed to John, Tucker, Marjorie, and an Allard nephew. John & Marjorie had worked the farm alongside Robert when Robert was able and then had taken over the farm when Robert became too ill to work. Robert had made clear that he wanted the farm that his family started over 50 years ago to continue to grow and be an enduring landmark in Brewster. But after Robert died, a will emerged that named only the Allard nephew and an acquaintance as beneficiaries. This came as a surprise to both John & Marjorie. Having evidence of undue influence and lack of capacity, John & Marjorie contested the will. Unfortunately, on September 13, 2023, a Barnstable County judge ruled against John and ordered that the property pass to the Allard nephew and the mere acquaintance. There is little doubt that they will quickly sell the property, destroying the family farm and allowing a beautiful, natural piece of property to be sold to developers.

This turn of events means that Allard Farm, which seasonally closes after Columbus Day weekend, will permanently close its doors unless the judgment is appealed. This appeal is why we are launching a GoFundMe campaign.

Allard Farm’s emergency needs

An appeal is estimated to cost at least $30,000. This is where YOU come in. John and Marjorie and their lawyers believe the court’s decision was not rooted in fact or correct on the law. But having already spent over $45,000 to fight this will, John and Marjorie cannot lodge an appeal without financial help from the community. A successful appeal will result in the continuation of Allard Farm as the community knows it, with the family property being divided equally among the two remaining brothers, including John, as well as the heirs of the other two brothers who have passed.

Although $30,000 seems insurmountable, that goal can be reached if 400 people donate $25, 200 people donate $50, and 100 people donate $100 – or some combination like that.

Please contribute to help keep Allard Farm family owned and operated, offering GREAT PRODUCTS at GREAT PRICES at a GREAT LOCATION!