A new "field of dreams" for Cracker Box Palace Rescue and rehab operation to move to Alasa Farms
by Alice IrwinSeptember, 2004: After three years of backbreaking labor, round-the-clock care for sick and abused animals, dozens of educational events for the public, and a never-ending search to fill the constantly increasing funding requirements, Cheri Roloson and Burt Madison, owners of Cracker Box Palace Farm Animal Haven in Alton and their tireless team of volunteers have proven that their farm animal rescue and care facility is real, and it's definitely here to stay. Their success and growth has been overwhelming, as has been the community's response; the farm currently has over 130 supporting members. Success, however, brings its own set of challenges and at The Palace, it became obvious that they needed more room - lots more room, including additional barns and pasture areas. They currently care for almost 100 animals and more and more keep arriving: horses, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, ducks... "We're doing great with adoptions and foster care placements. But even though we've had 17 rabbits adopted this year we still have 27. Horse adoptions have been incredible. Right now we only have two horses at the farm, but I know that won't last long!" Roloson explained.
Expanding facilities at their current location always involves clearing land and raising new barns, both of which are costly, labor intensive efforts. So what to do? The answer came one day as Roloson and Diane McKeon, a key volunteer at the Palace, went to Alasa Farms to pick up a goat. "She (McKeon) came up with this hair-brained idea that we should move our farm there!" Roloson said with a chuckle, and continued, "She talked Griff (Mangan) into agreeing with our crazy idea and the whole ball of wax started! The Mangans have been a wonderful source of encouragement to us and have backed us from the very start." The wheels spun into motion and in addition to the daily regimen of animal care at the Alton farm volunteers now faced the task of readying the barns and pasture areas at Alasa Farms for the new tenants. Their target for the move is September and there's still a monumental amount of work to do and items that they need donated. "We're looking for in-kind items like lumber, fencing, plumbing and electrical supplies along with the carpentry, electrical, and plumbing services donated," Roloson said.
Cheri discussed plans and visions for the new farm, saying "The new and improved farm will include more room for the animals, bigger and better events including more educational events, more opportunities for youth groups, school groups and individuals including tours and internships. We want to restore the trails for hiking and camping for the groups, too. ... continued