Love Has a Home, Inc is on a mission: a mission to create more connected, compassionate communities in a world that seems to be going in the opposite direction. That mission begins right here in Newtown, at Sticks and Stones Farm.

In August, Love Has a Home (LHAH) entered into an agreement to purchase Sticks and Stones.

LHAH Founder and President Bill Donaldson said the goal of his nonprofit is to preserve the long legacy of open public space at Sticks and Stones “and to provide a community-based venue for deep nature connection, spiritual and personal growth, and a peaceful respite from the stress and disconnection of everyday life.”

To that end, LHAH launched its fundraising campaign on Giving Tuesday, with Donaldson promising supporters that he would jump into the pond in front of the property’s landmark stone barn if $10,000 was raised.

“We broke just over $7,000, but that’s close enough. I’m jumping in,” said Donaldson, who hopes to close the gap with a little help from his friends, and raise at least $3,000 from the “plunge.”

“Our first priority is to get zoning approval for the activities that we plan to be doing, such as day and overnight retreats, educational programming, workshops, live acoustic music and other activities that uplift and inspire. Funds raised from this event will go toward legal expenses and survey mapping,” explains Donaldson. “We are hoping for a few more brave souls to join us, and get pledges from their family and friends who would love to see them jump into an icy cold pond on New Year’s Eve.”

The Polar Pond Plunge is scheduled for 1 pm Saturday, December 31. Sticks and Stones Farm is at 197 Huntingtown Road.

For more details about the campaign to purchase Sticks and Stones Farm, visit lovehasahome.org/polarpondplunge or Bill Donaldson directly at 203-915-0718.

Spectators will be welcome to cheer the jumpers on. Hot beverages and snacks will be served in the barn immediately following the plunge.

Love Has a Home, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit company which believes that through the power of love, communities of compassion, kindness and peace can be created. Its mission is to provide both a physical and spiritual public space where all are welcome no matter background, beliefs, race or gender identity, and where connections thrive to nature, to oneself, and to others in the community.