Allaire Community Farms Pays Tribute to the Golden Dome Foundation with “Dr. Robert H. Harris Equestrian Center”

Farm Utilizes Rescued Animals to Foster the Well-being of Individuals with Special Needs, Adolescents Confronting Mental Health Challenges, Veterans Coping with PTSD, and Families Struggling with Cancer

December 1, 2023

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH) – In a heartwarming tribute to the late Dr. Robert H. Harris, the Allaire Community Farm in Wall has received substantial donations totaling over $2 million from the Golden Dome Foundation. Founded by Dr. Harris and his wife, Mary Ellen, the foundation aims to support organizations that align with the doctor’s philanthropic interests. The Allaire Community Farm, spanning 25 acres on Baileys Corner Road, has become a sanctuary for individuals with special needs, veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorders, teenagers grappling with mental health issues, and families affected by cancer.

The farm, often described as a magical haven, is home to rescued horses, goats, pigs, donkeys, and various other animals. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Golden Dome Foundation, the farm is now preparing to unveil the “Dr. Robert H. Harris Equestrian Center.” Expressing her gratitude, Mary Ellen Harris remarked, “Our foundation board is wholeheartedly invested in this farm. Every visit presents new and incredible experiences, reflecting the dedication of JoAnn and Sean Burney, whom we are immensely proud to support.”

The Burneys, co-founders of the farm, recall Mary Ellen Harris initially expressing skepticism about their vision during her visit eight years ago. However, witnessing the dream materialize into reality over the subsequent five years prompted her to extend financial assistance to the farm’s mission. The Golden Dome Foundation has provided ongoing support for the farm’s equestrian operations, including the remarkable feat of paying off the farm’s mortgage in 2022.

Lauding the foundation’s unwavering commitment, Judith Lolli, a friend of Mary Ellen Harris, emphasized that the charitable work at Allaire Farm epitomizes the benevolence Dr. Harris cherished. “Mary Ellen’s contributions have secured the farm’s financial stability, allowing it to flourish and serve our community wholeheartedly. It is a testament to the love Dr. Bob had for horses and the unwavering dedication of Mary Ellen and her husband to aid those truly in need.”

With the foundation’s generous donations, the Burneys strive to honor Dr. Harris’s legacy by continually expanding the farm’s facilities. Notably, the “Dr. Robert H. Harris Horse Barn,” comprising 20 stalls, was constructed in 2019, while an annex was added the following year for grain, hay, and tack storage, as well as horse washing facilities. In 2022, Harris funded the construction of an impressive 11,000-square-foot indoor riding rink, complemented by an outdoor riding arena that opened earlier this year. The culmination of these efforts is the upcoming inauguration of the “Dr. Robert H. Harris Equestrian Center,” a profound testament to the Golden Dome Foundation’s immense contribution.

The Allaire Community Farm stands as a unique and unparalleled establishment in the region. It offers a diverse range of year-round therapeutic and educational programs, catering to various demographics. From the HOPE program, providing employment training for young adults with special needs, to therapeutic riding and driving sessions for veterans with PTSD, to animal-assisted activities for children grappling with mental health issues, the farm strives to facilitate healing and growth. Sean Burney, a former real estate professional turned full-time farmer, highlights the farm’s reliance on donations, grants, and individuals like Harris, who share a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of the farm’s 300 animals and the thousands of visitors it welcomes annually.

Sean Burney further emphasizes the farm’s inclusive nature, stating, “This place is genuinely special, evident from the moment visitors step foot on the farm for the first time. Whether you are a child with special needs, an individual facing mental health challenges, or simply someone seeking a connection with nature, everyone is embraced here. We take immense pride in fostering an environment where all individuals feel included and accepted.”

To ensure long-term sustainability, the Burneys have implemented various initiatives to reduce reliance on grants. These include the implementation of admission fees, farm animal “sponsorships,” riding lessons, a general store, and the highly anticipated annual “Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm and Light Show” fundraiser, running until December 23. Proceeds from this event, which serves as the farm’s largest annual fundraiser, provide vital support during the winter months when the farm is closed to the public. Additionally, the farm benefits from the dedication of approximately 200 volunteers, who tirelessly contribute to its seven-day-a-week operations.

Beyond Harris’s remarkable generosity, the farm has forged partnerships with 13 local high schools, assisting students with special needs through the Growing Academics in Nature (GAIN) program. This program offers students valuable work-based learning experiences, such as planting, harvesting, animal care, egg collection, and groundskeeping. The Burneys, in collaboration with community partners, have also spearheaded the establishment of a veterans’ memorial and the Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial. Presently, they are working on constructing a building featuring a commercial-grade teaching kitchen, further expanding their capacity to provide on-site job training for the populations they serve.

In their unwavering commitment to inclusivity, the Burneys have created a “Path of Independence,” ensuring that all buildings and gardens on the farm are accessible to individuals with mobility challenges. Sean Burney emphasizes, “We firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy this farm. Consequently, we have taken great care to address potential obstacles and are actively working towards making the farm accessible to as many people as possible.”

The Allaire Community Farm and the Golden Dome Foundation stand as extraordinary examples of the transformative power of compassion and dedication. Through their collaborative efforts, they have created a sanctuary where individuals facing diverse challenges can find solace, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. To learn more about the farm and the Golden Dome Foundation’s remarkable endeavors, visit their website and sign up for their monthly newsletter.