The Gentle Barn Moves Forward in St. Louis

Supporters From Around the World Raise Funds for a Third Gentle Barn Location

News provided by

The Gentle Barn

Jun 20, 2017, 10:19 ET

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., June 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In 23 days, 5,000 people from all 50 United States and over 40 countries, came together to start a Gentle Barn in Missouri to heal abused animals and work with at-risk children. The Gentle Barn (www.gentlebarn.org), the national non-profit who rescued six cows who escaped from a slaughterhouse, has reached their goal to purchase property and give the cows a forever home.  Along with thousands of public donations, Gentle Barn received matching contributions of $50,000 from a couple of supporters that jumpstarted the $400,000 GoFundMe campaign.  

Jay, ButterCup and Ellie together at The Gentle Barn CA
Jay, ButterCup and Ellie together at The Gentle Barn CA
Chico led the amazing escape that took over local news and reached national attention. Since being rescued by The Gentle Barn, Chico and his brothers (pictured) have been given close medical attention and are enjoying their freedom at a foster-property. #StLouisSix (PRNewsfoto/THE GENTLE BARN)
Chico led the amazing escape that took over local news and reached national attention. Since being rescued by The Gentle Barn, Chico and his brothers (pictured) have been given close medical attention and are enjoying their freedom at a foster-property. #StLouisSix (PRNewsfoto/THE GENTLE BARN)
Jay, ButterCup and Ellie together at The Gentle Barn CA Chico led the amazing escape that took over local news and reached national attention. Since being rescued by The Gentle Barn, Chico and his brothers (pictured) have been given close medical attention and are enjoying their freedom at a foster-property. #StLouisSix (PRNewsfoto/THE GENTLE BARN)

"Chico, Spirit and their brothers are very special animals with an incredible message that has resonated with people around the world," says Ellie Laks, Founder of Gentle Barn. "We're so excited to create a location in St. Louis and want to thank everyone who has continued to the campaign. The cows will become ambassadors in Gentle Barn's program and will help children and adults breakthrough emotional barriers. What a dream come true."

Celebrities and athletes close to Gentle Barn, David Backes, Richard Marx, Daisy Fuentes, Tori Spelling, Rick Springfield, and Dodgers stars, Clayton Kershaw, Brandon McCarthy, Chris Hatcher and Rich Hill contributed memorabilia and shared the campaign through social media in support of raising the funds to purchase the property and to support the additional $200,000 for start-up costs. 

"It is life changing to be witness to these sentient beings who deserve freedom and to live their lives without fear," says Jay Weiner, Co-Founder of Gentle Barn. "What a special day the grand opening will be when we can bring the community in to experience the magic of these animals."

You can support the opening of The Gentle Barn MO and help name a cow by visiting http://www.gentlebarn.org/stlouissix. #stlouissix

ABOUT THE GENTLE BARN
The Gentle Barn is a national nonprofit, founded in 1999 as a safe haven and place of recovery for abused animals. Gentle Barn offers their unique philosophy of rehabilitating animals and connecting their stories of survival and healing to the experiences of children who have suffered any type of trauma. By interacting with the animals and taking a hands-on role, those who participate in the programs learn empathy, trust and forgiveness.

SOURCE The Gentle Barn