Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Fidelis Farms

I have been bombarding Facebook with Luke's skateboarding video competition but there is something else important I want to share so I figured I would blog about it. Two of my very close friends have started a Kickstarter to get Fidelis Farms organic greenhouse and gourmet foods up and running and I want to do all I can to help them.

Now this is why it is important to me. Kevin was one of my late husband's very close friends in the Corps. It is very hard for me to put into words the bond they shared. Or the bond we share. He reached out to me at a time where he was dealing with his own mourning and for that I am forever grateful. Adam and I became friends after Chris' death. He is one of the warmest, funny, caring people I have ever met. He is my brother and I'm his sister. When we see each other it's like no time has passed.

Now that I made it personal I want to share what they are trying to do through Fidelis Farms. Here is their bio from Kickstarter.

"Adam and Kevin served together in the United States Marine Corps through multiple tours in Iraq with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, Lima Company. After leaving the Marine Corps, each separately struggled with adjusting to civilian life and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Kevin found solace in farming, travelling the country apprenticing and eventually managing farms across the country. From equipment repair, to greenhouse management and construction, and everything in between, Kevin has the experience, education, and passion needed to produce the highest quality organic vegetables, herbs, and any other ingredients needed.

Adam eventually found his own peace through cooking, travelling the world experiencing different cultures and foods. Adam attended the prestigious Apicius Culinary Institute in Florence, Italy as well as the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute. From Central America, Europe, Middle East, and all over the United States, Adam has collected classic recipes and techniques that bring to life the special experience, and feelings that only remarkable food can bring."

Now for the yummy part. Here is what the want to accomplish and with our help I know they can.

"We are very excited to offer you a chance at the most delicious jars you'll ever taste! Fidelis Farms will build two separate 3000sqft greenhouse facilities, as well as a 1000 sqft commercial kitchen. With a 100 ft. total travel distance from plant to jar we will be able to produce the freshest organic food products year round. Through varying planting times, we are able to control exactly when everything is ripe so that when it is time to make a sauce, salsa, etc. every ingredient in that recipe is picked at its peak freshness and immediately cooked into deliciousness and jarred.
Once the greenhouses are up and producing a consistent supply, we will be able to offer a wide variety of different flavors and products, however, our initial run of products will focus on 6 different all organic, vegan, sauces and salsas. These initial products will be very simple, classic preparations in order for you to taste the true flavor of the ingredients. The secret to great food is not crazy seasoning or gimmicks, its responsibly grown ingredients, prepared with respect, to showcase their best qualities."

This is their short term goal. Their long term goal is to turn the farm into a place to help employ and heal other vets who suffer from PTSD. It has been a long time passion of Adam's to find an alternative way to heal from the wounds of war. Kevin and Adam both know all too well what happens when you come home and they want to do all they can.

I have all the faith in the world that these two men can make their dream come true. They just need a little help right now. Please, if you have anything at all to give, help them out. Even just $1 gets them closer to their goal. And if you are moved by their story share it!

Fidelis Farms' Kickstarter

Thursday, August 22, 2013

It's been a loooooong time

Ok it's been forever. I know. I'm the worst blogger. I get all excited to blog then quickly get bored or distracted and leave it. Hopefully I'll get better. Maybe if I keep my posts short and sweet I'll post more? Now that I'm crocheting I have a lot more to talk about. So here goes! I'm back!