Charles ran 100 miles on September 7, 2018 to raise funds for the animal residents at SASHA Farm. Read his incredible story below:

Hello everyone. First, the most important update regarding the fundraising campaign. I am very pleased and grateful to report that we have exceeded the fundraising goal by accumulating $3,165.00 in website, check, and cash donations! A sincere thanks to all donors who helped SASHA reach its goal. It is truly terrific that so many people have come together to help the animal residents, and future rescues, live out their days at SASHA in a compassionate and safe environment. The website is still open to donations if you would still like to make a contribution: https://www.gofundme.com/charles-leister-run-woodstock

As for the run:  It was an experience of highs and lows all throughout. A swarm of wasps did not make this run any easier for me as I was stung over a dozen times on my right leg within the first 14 miles of the race. Thankfully, the next aid station was only three miles away from where I was able to receive some medical attention before heading out to continue the run. The 100-mile course consisted of 6 x 16.66 mile loops across the Potawatomi trail and horse trails in Pinckney, MI. I dedicated each of the first 5 loops to a group of animals at SASHA (birds, pigs, cows, etc.). Bhima was included in with the goats and sheep since he spends most of his time with them. The final loop was dedicated to the founders, Dorothy Davies and Monte Jackson, as well as all of the fantastic volunteers at SASHA Farm.

As I stood up from taking a 10-minute food and rest break to prepare to complete the sixth and final loop, my body basically told me that I was no longer moving forward and that 84 miles was enough. I had come so close and now my body just did not want to respond, but I felt that I just couldn’t quit now considering all of the support and well wishes that everyone had contributed to the campaign.

I used every bit of my mental and physical energy to keep moving through those final 16 miles knowing that the pain and discomfort that I felt would be worth it in the end. As I crossed the finish line in 25 hours and 31 minutes, I was filled with overwhelming gratitude for all of the donors, supporters, and volunteers who put forth so much effort, love and compassion to make this world a better place for those who do not have a voice.

With sincere thanks,
Charles Leister

(Check out a video of Charles’ run HERE)

TICKETS FOR THE BENEFIT CRUISE ARE SOLD OUT!

Please contact bob@sashafarm.org with questions.

Below, you will read about two of the 250 SASHA Farm animal residents who could all use your help as we prepare for the winter ahead. You can help each one of them when you purchase tickets for your unforgettable experience cruising down the Detroit River on the Diamond Belle. Jefferson and Frankie and all the other animal residents will be forever grateful for your support!

LAST MINUTE DETAILS:

• Many of you have asked whether the food served will be vegan. Please note that ALL food served on the cruise by The Moveable Feast will be VEGAN and there will be gluten free options. 
• Please RSVP by September 7th to bob@sashafarm.org if you plan to buy a ticket on or after that date.
• Parking is $5.00, not included in the ticket price.
• No outside beverages can be brought onto the boat.
• Boarding is at 5:45 PM and sailing is promptly at 6:00 PM.  LATE ARRIVALS WILL MISS THE BOAT.
• Go to the end of this posting to find a map to the boat dock.
• HAPPY CRUISING!!

BUY CRUISE TICKETS HERE!

This is Jefferson, a Polled brown and white Hereford steer.  He was raised about 10 miles south of Manchester, MI, and sold at an auction just north of Manchester in 2003. But it appeared that this noble beauty couldn’t bear the thought of being someone’s dinner, so he escaped the Eastern Market slaughterhouse in Detroit where he had a “date with death.”  He ran for his life across several busy Detroit streets, before being captured and tranquilized on Jefferson Ave, hence his name. Miraculously,  many compassionate people helped Jefferson find his lifetime home at SASHA Farm, where he will now spend the rest of his life surrounded by other cows, pigs, horses, chickens, sheep, goats and adoring humans.

Meet Frankie. When he was rescued from a Calhoun County (MI) hoarding case in 2015 (with Flopsy, Mazzy, and other goats and sheep), he had been living in a dog crate, and could barely walk when his rescuers opened the door of his crate to give him his freedom. Now, no one can keep him from running with joy in the pasture!  Frankie loves his life at SASHA Farm, and he loves all the humans who love him back!

MORE INFORMATION ON THE CRUISE:

This benefit cruise may very well be the highlight of your fall season!  This unique and unforgettable experience on the Diamond Belle River Boat will take us for a leisurely cruise down the Detroit River. We’ll enjoy dynamic views of the Detroit and Windsor skylines,  watching the sun slowly set over the water, all to the sounds of Sean Blackman’s music. Also included in your ticket price are scrumptious vegan hors d’oeuvres and desserts courtesy of The Moveable Feast. A cash bar will also be available.

This 3 hour cruise begins at 6pm and ends at 9pm.  Please note that boarding starts at 5:45 and the boat departs promptly at 6pm!  The dock is located at 201 Joseph Campau Avenue, Detroit, MI. 48207.

What better way to spend a Saturday night?   And best of all, you’ll be helping the SASHA animal residents like our most recent arrival, “Little Lamb”,  whose story is below.

Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased HERE.  Sponsorships for this event are available and can be purchased HERE.

Questions? Contact Bob Harvie at bob@sashafarm.org

We are looking forward to spending a very special evening with you on September 15. Please BUY  YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Remember, that every ticket purchased will help “Little Lamb” and all the other animal residents who call SASHA Farm their home. Read “Little Lamb’s” story below: