So, I have three months and $30 million to change the world. I've got this fantasy project I've been tossing around in my head for a while. It doesn't really fit in the three-month window and it focuses on my local community. (Think globally. Act locally.)
Ready...
I have two words for you: Llama farm. Okay, okay, stay with me, because my farm isn't just for llamas. (But I'll have them. Alpacas, too. So cute!) My non-profit farm would grow nutritious organic produce that is available to the entire community, but particularly directed to low-income families, who have little access to decent unpackaged food at low prices. I see it sort of as a blend between a farmer's market and a farming co-operative. No animals will be slaughtered on my farm, but I will offer educational and therapeutic programs focused on nature and animals for families, schools and other groups, particularly those "at risk." The farm will also provide work opportunities with decent wages. And I want to offer women a chance to learn the fiber arts (using wool from the farm) as therapy, a creative outlet and for profit.
I see my farm as a center for community healing through creativity, nutrition, honest work and reconnection to the land and nature. In particular, I would want to reach out to people of color, women, at risk juveniles...I think I would call it The Healing Place. It would be a sanctuary for people to heal their psychic scars and take control of their futures. Oh, I like The Sanctuary as a name, too.
Even minus start up costs, $30 million should provide a pretty good endowment, but the farm would also generate revenue through produce sales; a small on-site cafe focusing on fresh, healthy meals; the sale of honey, llama/alpaca wool, and hand-made fiber arts and products, admissions to the "petting zoo" and donations.
Reading this, I wonder if this is impractical, too airy-fairy. I just think there is a nugget of a good idea here. Now, if only I had that $30 million...
How would other folks spend $30 million" Visit Hochmah and Musar and learn more about the week of positive blogging.
