An Eldredge Farm Tradition Supports Local Families in Need

BREWSTER – Community. That’s the term that comes to mind for Jeff Eldredge when describing the upcoming event at his farm. 

“At least one time a year, it brings everyone together which is so important. It’s something we’re kind of missing,” he said. Eldredge and his wife, Laura, are hosting their 12th annual Farm Party on Oct. 26, starting at noon. It’s a free event, open to the public, with food, drinks, backyard games, hayrides and the now renowned “dirtiest kid contest,” where kids have access to a massive pile of dirt and the winner is determined by their messiness. To fundraise for their foundation, the event will have merchandise for sale, a live auction, a silent auction and raffles.

Eldredge started the Eldredge Farm Foundation after losing a close friend to cancer, seeing the toll it had on his friend’s three young children and seeking out the resources to make an impact. “I’m trying to fill the gaps that come about when you get an illness,” he said. 

The foundation has “paid for mortgages, filled fuel tanks” and even covered funeral costs. “We wanted to have a fund already ready to go because they are in crisis…you can’t wait for those things,” said Laura. 

As Jeff and Laura reflected on over a decade’s worth of stories, it was clear how invested they are in seeing their community thrive. With tears in her eyes, Laura said, “We’ve had families where the person has gotten well and they’ve turned around and given that money back to the foundation to help the next person who needs it. It’s a stepping stone to make sure they don’t go off and lose everything.” 

Eldredge’s membership in the Harwich-Dennis Rotary Club provided the founding principles for his own charitable endeavor, with its motto, “Service Above Self” as a continued source of inspiration. 

“I want to thank Harwich-Dennis Rotary for making this all happen. I facilitate it, but they’ve been awesome [in their support],” he said. 

While it took a few years to establish the foundation, the Eldredges are now able to see the fruits of their labor. With a generous number of donations and sponsorships (around 115 this year alone), they are hoping this year’s event will be overwhelmingly successful. But at the end of the day, Jeff and Laura just want one thing — to help their community. 

“I’m hoping this year brings a lot of happiness to people. That’s the goal,” Jeff said.

Eldredge Farm is located at 681 Cranberry Trail in Brewster, just off Squantum Path.