Dear Ocala Farm Ministry Supporter,

2008 was a very busy year for the OFM and saw many of our goals achieved. Our biggest accomplishment was the commencement of the Robert Scanlon Memorial Community Center. As many know this has been a dream of the Farm Ministry to establish a venue in Ocala that we can call our own to worship, to educate, and to facilitate sports, recreation and services to the local horse farm community.

The building plans have been completed and are about to be submitted to the Marion County Planning and Development. We are also in the final stages of selecting a general contractor for the project. Many local companies have submitted bids for the project and we will have a decision by the end of January.

The Florida Farm Managers graciously donated money in 2007 establishing the FFM Soccer Field. The Soccer Field has been cleared and excavation has been started. Adena Springs South and Nick deMeric generously donated the sod for our field. Our growing youth soccer league (which now numbers 130 children of our horse farm community) will be proudly playing their games on the FFM Soccer Field for the 2009 Fall Season.

Other community activities include many childrens programs: our annual Easter Egg hunt is always a huge success. The Nativity Play in December was attended by over 200 children. Summer programs included arts and crafts, games and various educational activities. The annual Fun Farm Challenge Golf and Volleyball tournament was a day enjoyed by all with Stephens Thoroughbreds outplaying 20 teams to capture the Volleyball Tournament. Mark Roberts and the team at Adena Springs helped us to stage one of the best events of the year for the entire family!

We are proud of the development of the OFM and the dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to achieve these goals. The equine community in 2008 stepped up their involvement as well. Generous donations from Amy Tarrant, McKathan Brothers, El Batey Farm, the Florida Farm Mangers and Sensational Beginnings allowed us to deliver Christmas Dinners to 15 families, and more than 400 under privileged children received Christmas Gifts. We were also able to distribute clothing, furniture and used appliances to those in need.

We have also helped many families in the equine community ranging from health related expenses, funeral costs, utilities bills and other needs bought on by hard times or unfortunate situations.

We truly feel blessed to be part of such a dynamic community and would like to thank all those for their continued support. We look forward to 2009 and the hopeful completion of our community center.

God Bless,

Niall Brennan - President
Jaqui deMeric - Vice President