Thanks to a generous grant of $5,000 from the Inner Spark Foundation, Smith Farm has received a significant boost to their fundraising efforts with the Easton Lions Club Centennial Legacy Project & the Avery Lee Williams Family Farmhouse Renovation Challenge.

The Farmhouse Renovation Challenge is helping Smith Farm achieve our goals to preserve the historic farmhouse on the site, and as stated in the Smith Farm mission, to use the facility to “enrich lives through education, arts, culture, spirituality and wellness.” The Easton Lions Club and the Avery Lee Williams Family have teamed up to match funds raised by Smith Farm up to $20,000—making a total of $40,000 available for construction costs related to the physical structure of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse.

The Inner Spark Foundation previously supported Smith Farm with a grant to help replace the roof of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse. Built in 1880 by Dr. Asahel Smith, the farmhouse is nestled in what is now Borderland State Park at a site that was chosen for its serenity and peacefulness.

“Inner Spark Foundation is pleased to renew our support of Smith Farm at Borderland State Park in their fundraising efforts to restore the historic Asahel Smith Farmhouse. The renovation of the farmhouse will bolster Smith Farm’s ability to offer the local community—in particular, veterans and veteran’s organizations—with a beautiful location for health and wellness programs. We are excited for Smith Farm’s future and proud to support this challenge grant,” said Jacqueline Gosciak, Inner Spark Foundation Trustee and Easton resident.

Donors wishing to support this worthy cause may donate safely online either through our website at www.smithfarmheals.org, or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmithFarmAtBorderland. Donations will also be accepted by checks made out to Smith Farm at Borderland, Inc. and mailed to Carrie Crisman, Smith Farm Curator, P.O. Box 22, Norton, MA 02766. For further details, call Carrie at (508) 889-8889.

The Easton Charitable Trust (ECT), a non-profit organization committed to raising funds for charitable groups and individuals in need, is pleased to award proceeds from its successful 2016 Festival of Trees fundraiser to 7 local organizations: the Evan Greene Foundation, Easton Wings of Hope, Ali’s Park of Eastondale, Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog, School on Wheels Massachusetts, Smith Farm at Borderland, and H.U.G.S. II of Easton. All donation monies are being applied towards programs that increase the safety and value of our surrounding communities.

The Evan Greene Foundation will be purchasing marketing materials for their No First Time presentation at Oliver Ames High School on March 8th, as well as funding the cost for a person in need to attend a treatment facility for addiction. Easton Wings of Hope hosts ongoing Hidden in Plain Site sessions to educate parents on how to identify the many ways a child can hide drug paraphernalia. Ali’s Park of Eastondale will install an American flag and landscaped bed to welcome its visitors to the newly refurbished park on Pine Street in Easton in honor of resident Ali Hamilton. Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog has purchased a bullet proof vest for a member of its canine unit located in Seekonk (seen in photo wearing the vest). School on Wheels Massachusetts distributes over 2,000 fully-stocked backpacks to disadvantaged children every year, and with the ECT donation will be able to purchase 100 new backpacks for the students of its tutoring program.

​Smith Farm curator Carrie Crisman will be purchasing a new door and windows for the renovation of Smith Farm House, located at Borderland State Park and designated as a place for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. H.U.G.S. II of Easton will continue to provide awareness, prevention, education, and early intervention for victims of domestic abuse. The Festival of Trees will be returning to the Easton Country Club from November 25 – December 10, 2017. Please visit the website for more details on the festival and its beneficiaries at www.eastonfestivaloftrees.org.