Sponsorship |
Friends of Dudley Farm, Inc. is a Citizen Support Organization (CSO) which directly supports Dudley Farm Historical State Park. The sole purpose of this organization is to support the mission of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Department) Division of Recreation and Parks specifically for Dudley Farm. Friends of Dudley Farm works with the park staff of Dudley Farm Historical State Park to generate a valuable source of additional support for administration, maintenance, protection, resource management, historical interpretation and visitor services. Although many parks have CSO's, each have roles that vary from park to park. Some focus on the main element of providing financial support for the park. However, in addition to raising funds, Friends of Dudley Farm provide a broader more active role to support the park. Members of this CSO organize special period specific events; help maintain the farm as a working farm; as well as preserve and interpret the historical value of the farm. CSO is 100% volunteer and members donate their time and resources to the state park making it possible for the park to purchase equipment, realize building improvements, maintain the 18 original buildings, provide supplies and services to support the livestock, etc. In the past years purchases and improvements to the park were made that are now a vital part of the park today. We have built the syrup making complex that is used every year in December for boiling sugar cane that was grown on the farm. We constructed a repair shop. We provide food and services needed for the care of the Dudley Farm animals. We bought the hay implement for the park’s working tractor as well as, major overhaul of the antique tractor. We refurbished the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) trolley. This past year we contributed to the refurbishment of the old kitchen floor with period appropriate wood and workmanship including protecting the wood with tung oil which would have been used during the 1800's. Our newest project is the building of a Pavilion in the Visitor's Center Area of the park. This Pavilion will greatly enhance Dudley Farm’s capabilities to host events, give lectures and presentations to the public, and provide a sheltered area for students that visit the farm during the year. Donations are welcome in any amount and will be applied 100% to the operation of the park through Friends of Dudley Farm. You may donate through our Donate page or send your check directly to:
Friends of Dudley Farm, Inc., established in 1996, is a Florida Not for Profit corporation (EIN 59-3400683) and has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. All or part of your gift may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution. Please check with your tax advisor. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. |