Why We Give

Shelburne Farms embodies the values we care about most: protecting the environment and meeting the challenge of the climate crisis, as well as preparing teachers and students to become valiant stewards of the land. For many years, the farm has also been a personal oasis of spiritual renewal for us. We walk the trails in all seasons and always find refreshment and renewal. We contributed again this year using a Qualified Charitable Distribution from our IRA accounts, reducing our taxable income while hopefully helping Shelburne Farms to thrive for many generations.

We are making a gift to Shelburne Farms in memory of our mom and dad (Harriet and Harry Mitiguy) who were supportive of the path the Webb family took to preserve the farm, the land, and offer the amazing educational opportunities over the last 50 years to so many people. Mom and dad loved being neighbors and we all have enjoyed being able to support the many remarkable accomplishments over the years. Shelburne Farms is a gem! Thanks for all you have done and will do in the years to come.

When we first happened upon Shelburne Farms back in 1988, we were immediately enchanted by its beauty—the lakeside setting, the charming woods and pastures, and the respectful preservation and repurposing of an historic remnant of the American Gilded Age. As with any good love affair, we soon came to appreciate deeper strengths behind the beauty—the wonderful people and impressive environmental and education mission. We got firsthand experience through a Pasture-to-Palate residential program in 2000, during which we met the cows (quite literally on their own turf), visited other nearby farms, and made cheese. Then in a Bedrock-to-Birds program in 2004 we enjoyed learning about the natural history of the Farm and the Lake Champlain region.

Our visits to Vermont are infrequent, but from afar we enjoy seeing photos and videos of the endearing animals and the teachers and kids learning and benefiting as the Farm’s programs continue to develop in scope and sophistication. We find that our support for Shelburne Farms is the most rewarding charitable giving we do. And, by donating directly from IRA accounts, we avoid some income tax on required IRS retirement distributions.

Shelburne Farms holds a special place in our lives. We were married in the coach barn and returned recently for our anniversary. We were struck then and now by the power of the place for impactful gatherings, not only for occasions like ours but for the Farms’ education and mission work with young learners and educators.

The Farms’ mission and collaborative, systems-thinking approach to change-making align with our own commitments to drive social change. We know that the intractable problems of our time are interwoven and complex and require collective wisdom and collaboration across disciplines. Shelburne Farms’ expertise at leveraging partnerships and networks has distinguished the organization in the region and within the global community. We are very happy to support this incredibly important and impactful work. We are grateful that Shelburne exists in this world. It is truly an extraordinary place fueled by even more extraordinary people.

We support Shelburne Farms because we share the Farms’ vision for a just and sustainable world and we strongly believe in their approach through education and collaboration. Access to nutritious, affordable, and healthy food is a philanthropic priority for us and the Farms’ leadership in this area is remarkable. We appreciate the holistic and collaborative design of the programs, the high quality of the technical training, mentoring, and resources, and the efficacy of their work. We have found that Shelburne Farms is a pillar in the region among institutions doing this important work. We also appreciate that the Farm works hard to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, with a deep commitment to reaching diverse audiences.

We love and help support Shelburne Farms because of the sustainability education mission and because we can’t imagine it not existing—it’s an amazing place. As we’ve learned more about the Farm’s work with educators, we’ve been even more inspired to support the Farm’s mission. It’s so easy to enjoy the Farm’s beauty, but to know that the Farm is impacting educators around the world and helping them teach students about caring for the environment, now that’s powerful!

Soon after moving to Shelburne from Colorado, we began to explore the wonders of Shelburne Farms with our daughters. Over the years, there were summer camps, horse-drawn sleigh rides, bat classes, concerts, Harvest Fest, family and friend Coach Barn weddings and, always, the sunset over the Adirondacks.  Later, our five grandkids joined in all the Shelburne Farms activities.  

Shelburne Farms is a true treasure for all of us to cherish. When I reached the age required to take distribution from my retirement account, I asked the manager of my IRA to make a distribution directly to Shelburne Farms. It was so easy and saved us from paying income tax on the funds. We hope others will consider this tax-wise strategy for charitable giving.