Rescue farm raises funds for future

EAST HADDAM, Conn. (WTNH) -- Folks at a rescue farm in East Haddam are hoping to 'Keep the Light Shining.' That's the new fundraising campaign at the Ray of Light Farm.

For nearly 10 years the Ray of Light Farm has been a bright light for kids, folks with disabilities, and animal lovers alike. Now it's hoping to raise some major money to keep it going for future generations.

Jane Scacciaferro owns one of the horses rescued by the East Haddam non-profit farm.

"I got her at about five months old," Scacciaferro said. "She would have been someone's dinner. Instead she's my big baby."

Her son was also a Tiny Trotter. A program which gives kids their first farm experience like holding a guinea pig.

"I think they're great," said Maddie Lundy.

"You do? What do you like about them," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Cause they're really cuddly," said Maddie.

Maddie is also getting an up close look at chickens.

"I make the sound of a chicken," she said giving an example.

An experience some say is invaluable.

Another first for kids was seeing an unfamiliar animal. Fancy Pants is a ZDonk; a cross between a zebra and a donkey.

Ray of Light also offers a therapeutic riding ring. With its lease up in 2015 organizers hope to raise $1.5 million to make sure it can continue well beyond that.

"Seeing that we have so much money to raise we thought we'd start now rather than wait until the last minute," said Damory Rives, Ray of Light Farm. "And if the property gets sold we might have a rent increase."

"It has to stay. It is such an asset to the town," Scacciaferro said.

Folks at the farm say if one person donates $10 and then can get 10 others to do the same that ripple effect will make a big difference. Of course, they'll also continue to hold their fundraisers like the Easter Party and Egg Hunt to help meet their goal.