Welcoming Baby Ida

Hi, my name is Jean, and I am coordinating this fundraiser on behalf of many of us in the San Luis Valley who are connected to Marlena Antonucci and Jesse Marchildon as they welcome their baby, Ida.

Marlena and Jesse are beloved members of our community in southern Colorado, continually working to create community through the arts and food. Marlena used to manage our local book coop and now works for the Valley Educational Gardens Initiative (VEGI), which provides food and gardening education in the area. She also co-operates Dancing Badger Farm with her partner, Jesse. They raise organic chickens with attention to sustainable farming. Jesse used to manage the Rio Grande Farm Park, an organization focused on conservation, preservation, and creation of local food, art, and community health. Both Marlena and Jesse could be found at the monthly open mic at the Narrow Gauge Book Cooperative, sharing poetry, music and community. To say they are integral to our community is an understatement.

They have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby, expected in August. Earlier this week, Marlena began experiencing complications and had to be taken to Colorado Springs on Flight For Life. Due to complications and to do what is best for the safety of mom and baby, Ida will meet her parents earlier than expected. Jesse and Marlena's community is coming together to raise funds to help offset the costs of Flight for Life and a possible prolonged hospital stay.

Anything you can give to help our dear friends will be much appreciated.