Catching up with Danny's Farm, which we miss greatly, they recently sent us this update:
Danny’s Farm, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping autistic children and adults through meaningful employment at a working farm and petting zoo, is hoping for brighter days after it was forced out of an Altadena neighborhood because of zoning issues in January. After learning about the farm’s closure and shutting after school programs for disabled children, Actor Alec Baldwin reached out to host a local fundraiser to reopen the farm.
On May 21 at a private home in San Marino, more than 250 guests will gather in a western-themed event to raise funds to reopen Danny’s Farm and petting zoo. The organization, which is heavily dependent on donations, hopes that Baldwin’s involvement will raise greater awareness of autism and generate funds for a new home for children and dozens of animals that create a special bond for the disabled.
Sadly, due to the January closure, many of the pets were given away. Currently, a scaled-down version of the farm is temporarily housed in South Pasadena. "Acting has provided me with many life-long gifts,” said Alec Baldwin. “To give back to a community—especially to children with disabilities—is an honor."
“It takes more than just good intentions to help children in need,” said Cathy Gott, founder of Danny’s Farm. “Alec Baldwin’s fierce response to our cause calls attention to the many opportunities for discovery and learning among the disabled.” The event hopes to raise $100,000.
Cal Poly Pomona also stepped up and offered to operate a petting farm on its campus plus donated animals to live on the new farm.
The event kicks off with a pre-party celebration followed by general admission; entertainment provided by local rockabilly group, The Conductors, a petting zoo area and a live auction are part of the program. For more information about the event, visit www.dannysfarm.com or call 213.607.4432.
Danny’s Farm was founded by former L.A. Dodger pitcher and now pitching coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Jim Gott and his wife Cathy, to honor their autistic son’s affection for animals. The farm’s program was created to provide a safe environment for children and adults with special needs by offering vocational training and social development.
On television, Baldwin is currently starring in NBC's Emmy award winning comedy series, "30 ROCK", for which he received the 2007 Golden Globe, SAG and Television Critics Association awards as Best Actor in a comedy. Baldwin has starred on "Knot's Landing" for CBS and numerous other TV shows including "Dress Grey" (a miniseries for NBC), "Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial (for TNT) and numerous appearances on "Saturday Night Live.”
