Food for Thought
After working tirelessly for over two months to put together our items and packages for you, we are pleased to see such lively activity on our auction website already! It probably goes without saying, auctions take a whole lot of work to put together. We hope that by providing a plethera of ways to participate in Farms Forever this year that our average participation rate for our auction increases. So tell your friends, tell your neighbors, and help spread the word.
Here’s a little food for thought. Let’s take a moment to remember a few of the main reasons why non-profits hold fundraisers.
To RAISE AWARENESS about the organization and their mission. In our case, we are wanting to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and conserving local affordable farmland so that it remains in working agricultural production. It is important to note that according to the USDA Thurston County alone lost over 14,300 acres of farmland between 2012-2017. WSU Extension Thurston County states, "Since the mid 1950s we have lost 75% of actively farmed land in Thurston County." Through the preservation of farmland, we are helping to stabilize our local food system. Think of all the wonderful foods grown by our local farmers.
To RAISE MONEY to support the work of the organization. The money raised in this fundraiser helps to provide a significant portion of our operating budget which allows our organization to continue this important work of safeguarding working farmland from future development.
To CONNECT with people in the community around a common goal and cause. Events like this bring awareness to our work and encourage people to take action and get involved. Each and every one of you put the COMMUNITY in Community Farm Land Trust. We could not do what we do without the support of our friends, colleagues, neighbors, and community members. Your passion for our cause is what helps to drive our work. Thank you for all you do!
That being said, auctions can be a great place to get a good deal on a fun items, adventure packages, art and more, we ask that you not lose sight of these goals while participating in our online auction. We challenge our community to raise the financial bar. If you get an item for less than the actual value, consider donating that difference! Another way to make your dollars count even more and ensure that you get that special item you’ve had your eye on, is to drive the bids up, or even go all in and purchase it at the BUY IT NOW price! Meanwhile, if you didn’t win that special something, consider a donation of what you had been willing to spend for that item. We encourage everyone that registers to join us in celebrating 25 years of preserving farmland with a $25 donation! See our match campaign below to see how your dollars can be matched with more!
We hope to increase participation and support for our cause because the money raised at Farms Forever helps with a significant portion of our operating budget which means we can keep doing what we do best! Preserving farmland and supporting a vast network of farmers and consumers with our annual farm guide!
We would love to see everyone who registers participating however they are able. Whether you have a little to give, or a lot, do what you can to show your support. Skip a fancy coffee or three this week, bid on a item you've had your eye on and donate to our cause of preserving farmland because when a lot of people give a little, it really begins to add up!
And if you are here because you care, but don’t have the means to support financially, then we ask that you share why the mission and work of the Community Farm Land Trust is important to you. Follow us, like and share our posts on social media, read and share our newsletters, write a testimonial about why preserving farmland is important to you, or talk to your friends and neighbors about us! We need your support because YOU are the COMMUNITY in Community Farm Land Trust!
Thanks for participating and Happy Bidding! We are so grateful for your support!
