My name's Brian Bushard. I'm running the 127th Boston Marathon to raise money for Natick Community Organic Farm, a local nonprofit certified-organic farm and education center that's been teaching several generations of Natick kids (including myself) about the importance of local, sustainable agriculture.

The farm has been Natick's primary connection to its agricultural roots for thousands of kids and adults. Their all-out embrace of organic farming—especially in a nationwide agricultural system dominated by monoculture—is something that's always stood out to me, from their no-till farming method (to improve soil health) to their eschewing of harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, all the way to their composting toilet. 

Last March, however, they were struck with a fundraising dilemma when their barn burned to the ground, prompting a community effort to rebuild it. Fortunately, they saw an amazing outpouring of support and were able to fundraise for a new barn, which they expect to be constructed next year. With fundraising focused on the new barn, however, the farm has been strapped for cash for its day-to-day operations. A donation today will help them reach that goal and continue to provide productive open space, organic farm products and hands-on education for all ages, year-round. Thank you for your donations!