Thanks to everyone who has donated their time and money to help the animals who survived the flood.

The Hay Wranglers
Patty Kaija(President, FOLCAS), Joy Townsend(The Towns-End Cattle Company) ,
Darryl Wallace (Backcountry Horseman),
Robert McFadden (SHARE) , Diana Hardy (The Feed Bin), Sherry Hartley(Equestrienne of  Mason County)

Donations to the hay fund can also be made at www.thetowns-end.com

Since the flooding started, over 500 tons of hay has been distributed. About half of it was for the dairy farmers and was paid for by the dairy federation while the rest was brought down in trucks by generous people and purchased with donations.
We will need to distribute about 30 ton of hay a month for the next 6 months to the surviving livestock for them to make it through the winter. In order to do this, we will need to raise approximately
$7,500.00 a month.
Some clubs and organizations have expressed an interest in "adopting" the animals of a family for the winter and providing hay for the next 6 months. That way the club knows exactly where their money or hay is going and if they need help getting fences back up, the club would help with that as well. If your club is interested in doing this, please contact Patty Kaija at 360-508-0151 or e-mail pattyk@folcas.org

What the pastures currently look like  - Boisfort Rd 1/18/08 couldn't figure out how to change the time stamp on the camera:(


Photos(and so much more!) from Joy and Jim Townsend. For more information on the hay effort (and more photos), please go to www.thetowns-end.com    

 

On December 15th a benefit horse show spearheaded by Robert McFadden was an incredible success thanks to the amazing support of so many wonderful people.  In a matter of 7 days, a fantastic horse show featuring 31 events in two shows – one performance and the other gaming was organized.  A prize raffle featuring fabulous prizes was held due to the incredible generosity of the local businesses.  Because of the magnitude of the prizes donated, a silent auction was also added. Donors were calling up to the day of the show and during the show offering their support.  There were countless individuals and businesses who came by with donations offering to help in any way they could.  Everyone who came to help at this event needs to be congratulated as this could never have been the success it was without all of your determination to make it so great.  

The initial goal was to raise $7500 so a semi load of hay from Eastern Washington could be purchased for animals that survived the December flood.  The response and generosity in a mere 7 days was outstanding.  Due to everyones hard work and determination, over $11,000 was raised, with some donations still coming in.  The first shipment of over 27 Tons of beautiful alfalfa arrived and was staged at the Chehalis Livestock Yard.  Upon arriving with the load a man and his son showed up looking for some relief.  They  were able to load up a small trailer of theirs withdesperately needed hay for their animals and they were exceptionally thankful . A second double trailer of over 24 tons of first cutting Orchard grass is currently staged  at a donated barn in Rochester.  From there south Thurston County and Grays Harbor County Residents who were affected by the flooding will be helped as well.  Through this outpouring of generosity, 3 counties are being helped now with flood relief. 

To donate further to this fundraiser, please contact :
Robert McFadden
360-556-6050
Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic,
4631 Whitman Lane SE
Lacey, WA 98513