Evening Beneath the Oak

Empowerment Farm invites supporters to its inaugural fundraising event, Evening Beneath the Oak, on March 13th. The unique family-style gathering is designed to support the farm’s educational programs and expansion efforts while giving attendees a first-hand perspective of the farm’s initiatives. Founded in 2022 by Tiffany Lehman and Ashley Ebright, Empowerment Farm has quickly become a vital resource for residents, offering immersive experiences with animals, horticulture, and environmental education. Now, with a vision for program and community growth, the farm is turning to its supporters to help expand its mission to the next level.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of a thriving food forest and adorable animals, Evening Beneath the Oak promises an experience of connection, entertainment, and purpose. The event’s focus is to raise funds to enhance their current programming, which teaches sustainable life cycles to students through hands-on and explorative learning.

The night will feature:

Live Music: A two-piece bluegrass band will set the tone for a feel-good, joyful evening.

Local Auction Items: Attendees will have the chance to bid on exclusive experiences, including Everglades City adventures, sunset cruises, and golf packages donated by local courses.

Farm Animal Interactions: Guests can mingle with the farm’s beloved animals, including goats and chickens, to gain insight on some of the program’s main characters. 

Volunteer Stories: Instead of a keynote speaker, guests will hear from dedicated volunteers about their experiences and the impact of Empowerment Farm.

Girls Night on the Farm: A one-of-a-kind experience up for auction, including a gourmet dinner prepared by a local chef, signature drinks, and a peaceful yoga session amid the farm’s natural setting.

The thoughtfully curated evening will play a critical role in ensuring the farm’s continued success and expansion. “What goals are achievable this year are very dependent on how these fundraising events go,” said Ebright. “We’d love to expand our property and bring on more animals, but we have to work on a stable base first so eventually we can branch out.”

In addition to fundraising, Evening Beneath the Oak aligns with Empowerment Farm’s mission to build community through compassion and cooperation. “What sets Evening Beneath the Oak apart from other fundraisers is its central focus on community,” Lehman explains. “All of our auction items are local, and the dining experience is family-style.” Attendees can expect to pass platters of farm fresh produce and mouth-watering smoked meats around a table riveting with philanthropic conversation.

To secure tickets and view sponsorship opportunities, visit https://empowermentfarm.org/ or call 239-330-2777. All proceeds will directly benefit Empowerment Farm’s programs and events, including its upcoming Earth Day Celebration and first-ever Summer Camp! 

On April 26 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Empowerment Farm will hold an Earth Day Celebration focused on water conservation. The event will feature educational vendors, a rain barrel-building demonstration, and a talk by Justin Soucek of Greener Hills Nursery on conserving water through food forests and sustainable landscaping. Families can also enjoy kid-friendly activities like face painting and bounce houses.

This summer, the farm will also launch its first-ever summer camp, running from June 16–20, offering an immersive, hands-on experience for 30 children. Registration is currently open.

Through Evening Beneath the Oak and its lineup of engaging community events, Empowerment Farm continues to cultivate a deeper connection between people, nature, and sustainable living. Whether through the joy of a shared meal under the oaks, hands-on conservation lessons during Earth Day, or inspiring the next generation at summer camp, Empowerment Farm is creating lasting impacts. With the support of community members, this grassroots initiative will continue to thrive, offering meaningful experiences that empower, educate, and inspire. Co-founders Tiffany Lehman and Ashley Ebright are happy to answer any questions or talk to aspiring supporters through their email - info@empowermentfarm.org or phone at 239-330-2777.