BABEL FAMILY & FARMING COMMUNITY CHARITY

 EIN 33-2544246

Mission Statement: Reinvesting in the farm community by facilitating community engagement, fostering educational opportunities and supporting small business collaboration to meet the needs of our rural population and beyond.

Past and Present Activities:

The Babel Family has successfully undertaken various initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to fostering community engagement, preserving historical heritage, and supporting education in rural America. We aim to be a hub and a resource for local non- profits and provide a welcoming community space for use by all. These activities include:

1.  Support for local schools and athletic programs by providing access to the charity’s indoor court. The space has facilitated thousands of hours of practice and games, hosting youth sports events, and filling the gaps where needed when the rural public school athletic facilities lacked the space.
2. Support for community fundraising efforts. Hosted countless events held for the purpose of fundraising for the needs of the community such as the local fire departments, public schools, Stick Creek Kids (local childhood development center), Ducks Unlimited, and benefits for those with cancer or other health related challenges.
3. Support for community education by providing the space to hold meetings, conferences and seminars. Examples include local fire department training, hundreds of farm related classes, gun safety classes, teachers conferences, and farm bill education classes.
4. Hosting community events such as dances and movie nights in collaboration with local residents, schools, and churches, creating opportunities for families to connect and engage with each other.
5. Providing a space open to community members to play, exercise, and have organized indoor sports practices, such as basketball or volleyball, as well as holding important family events such as birthdays, weddings, and funerals.
6. Preservation of historical heritage. Rebuilding and preservation of three historically significant Dutch barns from the 18th century, originally located in New York and New Jersey, moved to the charity’s property in Wood River, NE. The New Jersey barn played a role in The Revolutionary War in 1778, housing British Army troops and their horses. The New York barns were witness to the origination of the “Anti-rent Rebellion”, leading directly to the passage of the federal Homestead Act of 1862, which opened “the west” to the people, occurring between 1840-1860.

Future/Anticipated Activities:
While continuing the past and present activities, the charity has many anticipated activities which will aim to support our goals of fostering community involvement, education, and supporting the needs of the local population.

1. Hub for community small businesses. Provide a space for local handmade goods to be displayed and sold. Regular hosting of farmers markets. Opportunity to host “farm to table” dinner events, using food from local farmers, with the use of the charity’s future commercial kitchen.
2. Historical and Architectural education. Provide educational workshops, tours, and reenactments on location to teach the public about Dutch barn architecture and its historical significance. Provide education on the engineering of steel structures that house the historic barns. Highlight the history of Wood River, NE, such as the Old California Overland Trail which passes through the charity’s property. Potential collaboration with local universities, architectural experts, and volunteers to lead these activities.
3. Promoting Tourism in “small town America”. Creating an inviting destination for visitors to explore history, architecture, and charm in rural Nebraska, which in turn will assist in local economic growth and foster pride within the community. Establish Wood River, NE as a destination for those seeking historical, cultural, and recreational experiences.

Conclusion:

These activities further the organizations exempt purposes by providing public benefit such as offering recreational, educational, and charitable facilities to the community. The organization is open to all members of the community without discrimination. We provide opportunities for advancement of education, bringing the community together, relief to those distressed by health adversities, and support to other public charities. Beyond the above listed activities, the organization will continually brainstorm new and unique ideas to engage and support the community, further attaining our charity’s purposes.

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