Appeal for Flood Relief

Dear Garden Shareholders,

We need your help.  Though we have not dwelt on the topic, Wellspring has suffered from the spring flooding and summer rainfall.  Just when we think it will become dry enough to work the lower garden beds we get another deluge.  This affects half our tillable garden space.

All of April, most of June and into mid-July the lower garden has been flooded or too muddy to farm.  This cuts into our productivity and represents a substantial loss to the Garden Program.  Normally we need 5 acres to grow a hearty share of produce for you--our CSA shareholders, supply produce for two farmers' markets and maybe a few restaurants.  We have cut out everything this year but the CSA and one market.  Shareholders, you come first and get the best of the garden produce.  

Now here's where you come in.  Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is based on the notion of a partnership between grower and consumer.  When the farm has a bad season, subscribers share the burden.  When the crops are in abundance, shareholders reap the bounty. Fortunately in these 21 years as a CSA we have had more bountiful than lean years and never a total disaster like some farms in Wisconsin.

At our board meeting last week we decided to ask for your help.  We anticipate a $7,000 loss this year mainly because of the floods.  We are not eligible for FEMA and insurance is too costly.  We are asking our shareholders to please pitch in and donate toward flood relief.  If everyone could give $50 or more that would get us very close to our goal.  That said, anything you can give will be helpful.  Since Wellspring is a non-profit your gift is tax deductible.  The gift is completely voluntary.

As a CSA we like to at least break even.  Absorbing a financial loss is not good business.  This is only the second time since 1988 we have asked our shareholders to help.  The last time was the flood of 2004.  This year's flood damage is just as bad and lasting longer.

Please help if you can.  We deeply appreciate your support.  

-Mary Ann Ihm