Save This Family Farm!
Donation protected
The need: Our friends Kari and Tom Riley are facing the loss of their Riley Crest Farm near Waupaca, Wisconsin. After 25 years, they are currently in a financial crisis due to loss of farm animals (this winter’s terribly harsh weather), high farm costs, currently very low prices for their certified organic milk and meat and the medical necessity of Tom’s hip surgery. They are in transition from cow to more profitable goat milk production but need time to realize gains. We have known them for over ten years and they are solid folks.
While the goal is large, even small donations can be a significant help at this time.
Specific needs: Tom had hip surgery on March 15 and beside the medical bills they need to get help doing his farm work. He has been unable to do what he usually does and Kari has had to do double duty. Their children are in school and help as they can. A short term need is for farm laborer $120/day needed 6 days/week for six weeks to cover Tom’s recovery. Due to a dry summer they didn't make as much hay as they need for their animals and now hay costs $6,000/semi-truck load.
They need help with typical household expenses such as utilities $500/mo (in the cold) and groceries $200/wk.
Background: Kari and Tom have raised their four children on the dairy farm where Tom grew up in central Wisconsin. Whether you vote red or blue, this is the heart of our nation - a spirit quickly disappearing from the land worth preserving. Their organic milk, eggs, chicken, beef and pork are superb. Recently they began to transition from cows to goats and have a herd of over 200 goats they milk to sell for goat cheese. They love the animals, land and life on their family farm and voice their gratitude for the ability to raise their family there. The children have all helped with the operation of the farm and have been active in 4-H taking animals and many projects to the county/state fairs along with taking leadership roles in Future Farmers of America.
Riley’s Farming Leadership: The Rileys open their farm for others’ learning about and appreciating farm life such as hosting “Breakfast on the Farm.” They collaborate with the neighboring farmer who specializes in vegetables and flowers for special events such as “Farm Fest” which draws hundreds of people - young and old - to enjoy a fantastic day on the farm! Several years ago their daughters worked for us when we had our bed and breakfast. They arrived at 7:30 a.m. to help serve our guests and before that they had already milked 40 goats! The girls are strong and hardworking, sharp and good with people. They relished the chance to tell B&B guests about making maple syrup with their grandparents and cousins and about their farm where they raise animals and sell their organic eggs and bacon.
Riley’s Community Involvement: The Rileys have enriched the lives of so many people through their generous personal help, service, example and their quality farm products. They have been vital to the heart and ministry of First United Methodist Church in Waupaca. Kari also serves UMC churches in nearby Amherst. For over 10 years they have been foster parents and are legal guardians for their foster daughter now in kindergarten. They are creative, energetic and hardworking. They make you proud to know them!
It may be a cliché but these people really are the salt of the earth and so worthy of your help.
PLEASE HELP: Thank you so much for considering giving to the Rileys. All gifts will be used to help them through this crisis and even a small donation of 10 or 20 dollars will help sustain their spirits. If you are able to give a sizeable monetary donation it will be well spent.
While the goal is large, even small donations can be a significant help at this time.
Specific needs: Tom had hip surgery on March 15 and beside the medical bills they need to get help doing his farm work. He has been unable to do what he usually does and Kari has had to do double duty. Their children are in school and help as they can. A short term need is for farm laborer $120/day needed 6 days/week for six weeks to cover Tom’s recovery. Due to a dry summer they didn't make as much hay as they need for their animals and now hay costs $6,000/semi-truck load.
They need help with typical household expenses such as utilities $500/mo (in the cold) and groceries $200/wk.
Background: Kari and Tom have raised their four children on the dairy farm where Tom grew up in central Wisconsin. Whether you vote red or blue, this is the heart of our nation - a spirit quickly disappearing from the land worth preserving. Their organic milk, eggs, chicken, beef and pork are superb. Recently they began to transition from cows to goats and have a herd of over 200 goats they milk to sell for goat cheese. They love the animals, land and life on their family farm and voice their gratitude for the ability to raise their family there. The children have all helped with the operation of the farm and have been active in 4-H taking animals and many projects to the county/state fairs along with taking leadership roles in Future Farmers of America.
Riley’s Farming Leadership: The Rileys open their farm for others’ learning about and appreciating farm life such as hosting “Breakfast on the Farm.” They collaborate with the neighboring farmer who specializes in vegetables and flowers for special events such as “Farm Fest” which draws hundreds of people - young and old - to enjoy a fantastic day on the farm! Several years ago their daughters worked for us when we had our bed and breakfast. They arrived at 7:30 a.m. to help serve our guests and before that they had already milked 40 goats! The girls are strong and hardworking, sharp and good with people. They relished the chance to tell B&B guests about making maple syrup with their grandparents and cousins and about their farm where they raise animals and sell their organic eggs and bacon.
Riley’s Community Involvement: The Rileys have enriched the lives of so many people through their generous personal help, service, example and their quality farm products. They have been vital to the heart and ministry of First United Methodist Church in Waupaca. Kari also serves UMC churches in nearby Amherst. For over 10 years they have been foster parents and are legal guardians for their foster daughter now in kindergarten. They are creative, energetic and hardworking. They make you proud to know them!
It may be a cliché but these people really are the salt of the earth and so worthy of your help.
PLEASE HELP: Thank you so much for considering giving to the Rileys. All gifts will be used to help them through this crisis and even a small donation of 10 or 20 dollars will help sustain their spirits. If you are able to give a sizeable monetary donation it will be well spent.
Organizer and beneficiary
Robert Benada
Organizer
Waupaca, WI
Kari Riley
Beneficiary