Thursday, November 27, 2008

Gentle Thanksgiving receives an incredible gift


As I mentioned in my last post, the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary, in Scio, Oregon, held its annual Gentle Thanksgiving party last Saturday. This event is a simple, no-animal-eating, family-oriented, get-to-know-you affair. Its primary purpose is to share with the public the beautiful animals who live here as well as to increase awareness of the Sanctuary's existence.

This year was a great deal of fun and, as if this weren't enough, it also brought us an amazing surprise at the end of the day.

The new pigs, rescued from the Iowa floods by the nationally-known Farm Sanctuary and brought to us in Oregon last month, were excited by all the hub-bub:

"Say Cheeeeeeese":

And, yes, little piggies really do have curly tails:

Here's Jessie, the sheep, wondering why all I have in my hand is a camera:

The weather was perfect for the event - the donkeys enjoyed napping in the sun:

The llamas, generally quite standoffish, did give me a nod and an ear twitch as I called out to them:

Fyrefly always looks like she has something important she wants to tell me:

Roy, the gentle giant, stood right next to the fence the entire time, waiting for pats and carrots:

The animals love it when company comes:

Have you ever noticed how photogenic geese are?:

Summer, the goat, gave everyone a thorough treat-check before they were allowed to leave:

So, now, allow me to direct your attention to the lady inside the pink circle (that's her son with her to her left):

This is one of only two pictures I have of her. And it's purely by chance that I got the two that I did at all. You see, we've never met this woman before. At the time I took this picture, she was no different from any of the other kind people to visit the farm that day. She arrived quietly, took a tour of the farm, visited with the animals and, when she was finished, introduced herself to Wayne and presented him with a $10,000 donation check. I am not kidding. This woman is my hero. I can't even begin to tell you how much the Lighthouse Farm needed this money. This incredibly generous donation will help to not only care for all the animals over the coming winter, but allow us to make some much needed additions and improvements to fencing and shelter as well. Incredible.

I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving that is full of smiles and laughter!

24 comments:

  1. God bless this angel on earth. You speak of this rescue as "us," so I know it is near and dear to your heart. Going into winter knowing that there are funds to see you through...I'm sure you'll all be sleeping better.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family - and everyone over at the Lighthouse Farm.

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  2. Wow! I am so happy to hear that. With the economy the way it is, donations to non-profits usually suffer. I'm glad they got such a generous donation.

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  3. What an awesome gift. That sweet woman has a real heart of gold! Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.

    Great pictures of these precious animals. They are so fortunate to have a home filled with love.

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  4. P.S. That turkey is gorgeous . . .such beautiful feathers!

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  5. I love posts like this! It keeps my faith in humanity on a higher level. Thank you for sharing your day and I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!! Tammy and her farm crew.

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  6. Wow! Think how many Peanuts they can buy now for all the animals! What a very nice lady - and humble too.
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  7. That is just so wonderful Danni! I think Fyrefly did have something important to tell you!! "Give that lady a hug for me!!"

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  8. What a contribution. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  9. What a wonderful person to donate such a large sum of money to such a great cause!! You are just as wonderful of a person for donating your time and heart to the cause too!!
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  10. Wow--she's my hero, too. Such unassuming generosity--in my opinion, that's the very best kind.

    Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. And thanks for these fabulous photos of the sanctuary.

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  11. Those messy faced piggies were so cute!

    I noticed how that soft spoken hero wasn't even wearing a cape. I love how the animals must have touched her heart and that she was able to donate that huge amount for them. Yay!

    (my word verification is saltraps. Salt Raps! I feel a song comming on.)

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  12. That is sooooo wonderful Danni. What a beautiful gift. I'm so happy for the Sanctuary.

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  13. Isn't the generosity of people absolutely outstanding???

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  14. What a wonderful Thanksgiving gift!

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  15. Wow! I think she's what's known as an angel down here on earth. How absolutely cool is that?!? I love the grace she exhibited with her quiet donation, as well. Not asking for accolades, just wanting to give and help the animals. I would love to give her a hug right now!

    I'm so glad the day went well for you and everyone who participated. The animals certainly are characters and I'd be tempted to spirit them all home with me.

    BTW, I've launched a giveaway contest over at my place today, if you want to swing by and enter.

    Happy Friday,

    Carolynn

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  16. We try to help out at our local Humane Society and I know that $10,000 from an individual is BIG MONEY, what an angel.

    Thanks for the writeup and photo's. great story.

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  17. What a great thing. The sanctuary must have really made a big impression on her. The animals are all so sweet, it would be hard not to love them all.

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  18. Holy Cats!!! $10,000! I know some would say that she should have given that to a human charity, but I think God put us in charge of all beings--not just humans. Good for her! Wish I could do it.
    Wonderful holiday post. I'm glad you had such a good one.

    Any Donks coming your way soon?

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  19. I am so happy for you. That is great news! :)

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  20. Your snapshot of the gift giver is priceless! I love her anonymity - a true sign of selfless giving. The photo tells me that she expects nothing in return, sort of like you, Daniella. You touch hearts!

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  21. Wow! Great post of a great event. Love all of the wonderful photos.

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  22. Fabulous post. Bless her heart, and yours for helping animals in need.

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  23. That is amazing! What a great gift for the farm.

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