Support the Shorts in Recovering from Devastating Fire

UPDATE: Alex will be on the news this afternoon to discuss the Merchant Foods of Brussels matching the donation (how amazing!!) from the collection at their store and how supportive the whole community has been for the Shorts. They definitely do not feel like they are in this alone. Izzy has also been receiving some well deserved spotlight in calling 911 and talking to the dispatcher. This fire chief stopped out looking to commend her for her bravery during such an unimaginable time. They are working on setting up a time to meet.

Food in Brussels has started a donation fund and for those more comfortable using direct payments you can choose to donate through Capital Credit Union under savings account for Jodee Taylor and Alex Short, using Forestville as the city.

Additionally those in Jodee’s hometown of Whitehall if you are more comfortable doing a direct donation she still has an account at Royal Credit Union under Jodee Taylor.

Goods and clothing donations can be dropped at Southern Door Elementary in Brussels. Immediate needs include clothing for the kids, the girls are sizes 10-13 and the boys are 3T and 5T. The family has also set up their Paypal and Venmo accounts for other donation routes and screen shots for QR Code for PayPal and user name for Venmo are listed below.

The Shorts are currently in a hotel working to get into and AirBNB. They continue to move forward slowly each day and working to establish new routines for themselves and the kids. Will continue to update as the process continues on how they are doing and any additional options for support to the family.

Dear Family, Friends, and Community,

It is with heavy hearts that we reach out to you today on behalf of our dear family, Jodee and Alex Short, who have recently suffered an unimaginable loss. Their beloved barn and all its contents, including equipment, tools, and livestock, were destroyed in a devastating fire. Tragically, the fire claimed the lives of 5 goats (a Mom who wouldn’t leave her babies) and 6 pigs. The damage also extended to their home and vehicles. While these material items are important, the most priceless parts of their life, themselves, and their kids, are safe and unharmed. Though the mental and physical toll of this will impact each one.

The Shorts are a hardworking, resilient couple who got engaged in the barn, of course, and just last September, celebrated their dream wedding with family and friends. This is their first hurdle as a newly married couple, one that we all know they will come out the other side of, and one that is going to be an intense journey.

Alex and Jodee began building the life they had always dreamed of on their farm, Cedar Creek Pastures, back in 2019 and as a 1st generation regenerative. Their dream has always been to raise their own healthy sustainable food to support their family, and the barn was an essential part of this goal. They have invested countless hours of blood, sweat, and tears into making this farm thrive, and this setback has been nothing short of heartbreaking.

Unfortunately, they learned too late that their homeowners insurance does not cover outbuildings on their property, such as the barn, or the vital farming equipment, tools, and livestock. While the financial loss is overwhelming, we are rallying together to provide support. While the total damage and costs are significantly higher, we are aiming to raise $25,000 to help them rebuild and recover as much as possible.

For those of you who know the Shorts, you know they are always the first ones to lend a hand to a neighbor in need, whether it's on another farm, for a family member, or friend. They have been pillars of support for others in times of crisis, and now it's our turn to show them that same level of compassion.

We are asking for you to support in any way you can—whether it's through a financial donation, offering supplies or resources, or simply sharing this message with others. Every contribution, regardless of size, will make a difference and will go directly to help the Shorts get back on their feet.

Together, we can help Cedar Creek Farm rise again and allow this incredible family to continue chasing their dreams. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Taylor & Short Family