An Autumn Rusty Report
Discover more from ReNew, by Ronnie McBrayer
An Autumn Rusty Report
News from The Rusty Goat Coastal Farm and Retreat
As the summer heat cools just a bit, Cindy and I are turning our attention back to ongoing renovations at the Rusty Goat Coastal Farm and Retreat! I wish I could say that we have hit every goal for the farm so far this year, but we are certainly moving in the right direction. Here is a review of where we have been, an update on where we stand, and what is to come as the final quarter of 2023 is upon us.
THE WAY WE WERE…
This month (September 2023) marks the end of the first year of active fundraising for the Rusty Goat, as we “went public” in September of 2022. We have had twenty “share partners” donate $6,000 each ($120,000); received a $25,000 grant from The Saint Joe Community Foundation; and received other donations of more than $50,000, with funds raised thus far totaling some $200,000.
The first $50,000 in debt retirement has been paid, and all major renovations to the interior of the farmhouse have been completed.
AS WE ARE…
A new John Deere tractor was secured early this year with all necessary implements. It has been a work horse and a back saver!
A caretaker’s cottage was purchased this year and is on the property. It is now our highest priority to set it up (it is a former FEMA tiny house) with power, water, and porches.
All interior fences have been removed, except for one short section; and all dead trees, low hanging limbs, and structures that would prove dangerous have been cut back.
MOVING FORWARD…
In the coming quarter and into next year, the caretaker cottage will be built out and completed. The cost will be approximately $15,000 (Volunteers can reduce this cost).
The exterior of the farmhouse will be renovated, as insurance now required a new roof for the structure and additional fencing around the pool. These costs will exceed $40,000 (Again, volunteers can reduce this cost).
All new fencing and gates will be installed at a cost of $3,000 (This is a low cost project as it will require volunteers as well).
The second debt payment ($50,000) is due this calendar year.
AND SOME GREAT NEWS…
Our first two groups used the facilities for a retreat, and three families have experienced retreats under the Rusty Goat’s umbrella, with one more family scheduled this year. These families used facilities provided by friends of the Rusty Goat at little cost. This allowed us to stay on pace with providing retreats even before the farm itself is ready to receive guests.
FINANCIAL NEEDS AND A GENEROUS OPPORTUNITY…
Our initial goal was to have 100 partners who would donate $6,000 each to completely renovate the Rusty Goat and retire all debt. We are at 25% of that goal. And if you have read this far, you see that some $100,000 is required to meet our projected obligations over the next several months.
There is no better time to give to The Rusty Goat than now - especially in light of the fact than an anonymous donor will match every donated dollar given between now and the end of the year up to $50,000!!!! That’s right - your donation will be doubled - if received by December 31, 2023. This is an incredible opportunity.
We will keep you up to date on our progress, and can’t wait to see how all of this will come together. Thank you for being our partner.
Ronnie and Cindy
An Autumn Rusty Report
Hey Ronnie & Cindy, hope you’ve made it home from the frozen tundra safe n sound. We’re at the beach for the week and wondering if there’s anything we can do to help out at the Goat while we’re here. Please let us know. We’re happy to help.