To say this year has flown by is an understatement. Honestly, I feel like I fell asleep in January 2024, had dreams, woke up...and Voila! It's 2025.
So WHAT HAPPENED IN 2024, Cooper's Crossroad?
To collect data on the goings on of Cooper's Crossroad, I contacted board member, amazing volunteer and recording secretary, Karen Todd. She gave me an astounding list of events and donations from 2024.
As I read the list, I became filled with gratitude for the support Cooper's Crossroad receives from the community and volunteers. As founder of this organization, I am deeply touched by a long list of folks who are "out there" pushing for the awareness of trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
Cooper's Crossroad began its year with a bang, receiving the Subaru "Share the Love" donation of $22,000 (thank you Fenton Family Dealership!!)
In May, we hosted our first ever Kentucky Derby fundraiser at Elm Farm. The event live broadcasted the race and pre/post race activities in a festively decorated barn, complemented by a tasty assortment of food and topped off with mint juleps! I remember color, hats, laughter and a fun crowd during the race. As fast the race was run, the successful event wrapped up.
Aloha Keene owner, Josephine Russell, offered a yoga retreat at the farm in June. I was not able to attend but heard that both participants and horses enjoyed the time spent doing meditative movements around the farm.
In July, a group of volunteers spent an evening assisting patrons as they creatively individualized their wood-fired pizzas at Orchard Hill Breadworks Pizza Night. Each month a nonprofit is chosen to receive proceeds from pizza sales. This is the third year we have been chosen. It's a blast to be a part of the music-filled summertime family friendly event. The proceeds go directly to the care of the animals at Elm Farm. Thank you pizza lovers!
Mid August CCR hosted our first ever Movie Night at the Elm Farm hay loft. Both humans and dogs enjoyed the movie, popcorn, snacks and the authentic atmosphere. Bats even joined us as a grand finale.
The annual Farm Fest and Open House was held in September. This annual fundraiser brings sunflowers and smiles to my mind. A great community awareness event, I look forward to it every year.
In October, CCR participated in Domestic Violence Awareness month at Cheshire Medical Center, sharing the programs we offer with like-minded organizations. October also brought a new fundraiser, the Halloween Farm Fest...a spooky, family event with loads of games, crafts, and activities. It was a huge success and sure to be repeated.
Just in time for the holidays, we opened our very successful online Christmas Shop with our animal's wishes for supplements and treats.
On top of ALL that, CCR has kicked off a new program, GLOWE (Growing, Learning and Overcoming With Equines), as well as offering a monthly blog and a newsletter. Our organization also received a grant for raised flower beds, expanded the equine herd by two, added Tik Tok and Instagram to our social media, with over 600 followers on Facebook alone. Trail rides are now being offered to the public at Elm Farm, helping to raise awareness of what CCR is doing PLUS adding income to support our herd’s wellbeing.
As I read and reread Karen's list, I realized that I have accrued gratitude from the year's events.
With heartfelt appreciation, I thank each and every volunteer, staff member, organization and supporter of Cooper's Crossroad.
Happy 2025,
Christina
Christina Major - Founder - Cooper's Crossroad
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