Friends of Briar Oak,

I spent many days at Briar Oak Farms, in English Creek, NJ where I first met Kerry as a teenage girl looking for a job to help support my horse—a black thoroughbred named Star. Kerry took me under her wing and became a dear friend, coach, and inspiration. My time at Briar Oak helped shape my work ethic, perseverance, and dedication to others. Countless young riders, families, and equine community members have been uplifted by her generosity and passion for helping others thrive.

Recently I learned that a winter storm caused significant damage to the main barn—a place full of memories, hard work, and love. In recognition of Kerry and Briar Oak Farms, I’ve opened a GoFundMe account, Re‑Build the Barn, on behalf of a “community of friends.” While rebuilding the barn is a major undertaking, any amount raised will help show Kerry how deeply she is loved and appreciated.

I’m excited and grateful to be part of the team working to restore this special place. I hope you’ll join me! Every dollar raised will go directly to Kerry to support the rebuilding project. (I'm hoping this surprise to Kerry will be a huge success). Thank you for helping rebuild not just a barn, but a continued foundation of community, care, and connection!

STORY:

Last month, South Jersey experienced a historically significant winter storm. The storm brought heavy snow followed by heavy rain/ice with an unprecedented drop in temperature. Several inches of snow quickly accumulated on the barn roof, building a very heavy block of ice across. While it must have been difficult caring for horse in these conditions, no one could have envisioned the catastrophe which followed.

The day after storm, Kerry finished the nightly feed and was walking past the barn back to the house when her eye noticed something looked a bit off. A section of the barn appeared further out under the roof that she ever noticed. Within minutes, the beams under the barn roof began to crack. Kerry and a friend who was helping that day immediately jumped to action. They got all of the horses out before the roof completely folded. As the night went on most of the barn roof collapsed. The weight of the ice caused the foundation side made of cement blocks to bulge. By morning, the barn was a total loss. Fortunately, Kerry and all horses are fine. The horses are the most important to Kerry.

The barn at Briar Oak Farms holds memories to many. It was built solid and no one would have imagined the damage. I understand she is working to re-build and will do all possible to move forward (As Kerry always does!).

When I learned that insurance will not cover the cost of rebuilding, I thought, gosh…if we lived “back in the day” the community would appear and begin rebuilding efforts quickly. i believe the equine community reflects this same culture. My imagination (and hope) saw us all there, young and old with our families, trucks of supplies, tools, and work gloves. While this is not practical today, I believe many of us want to help and engage in other ways. We all know Kerry never asks for help but would be the first person there to help us. Let's help RAISE THE BARN!

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