Dutton Farm

Dutton Farm is a non-profit organization that allows people with physical, mental or emotional
impairments to have different opportunities that they wouldn’t usually use. This organization
was founded in 2010 because the founders, Jim and Michele Smither’s, daughter had Down
Syndrome. This year all of the money received during charity week will be donated to Dutton
Farms.

Student council made the decision to donate all of the money from charity week to this
organization. Their choice was decided by a vote and the majority chose Dutton Farm. Because
many have personal experiences with those with special needs, students such as Turner like
Student Council's choice of organization for charity week

“I think Student Council picked it because a lot of kids can relate to being around someone who
is physically or mentally challenged in our school or community,” freshman Teddie Turner said.

Before the announcement was made that Dutton Farm was going to receive all of the proceeds
from the Charity Ball, many, such as freshman Grace Lafleur, did not know about this
organization and how much they are doing for our community.

“No, I have never heard about Dutton Farms before, but I think that the organization is a very
good idea. I’m really glad that people will get different opportunities because if them.” Lafleur
said.

Hearing that the money from the Charity Ball was going to this organization, more students,
such as freshman Anu Yetukuri, said that they wanted to go to help.

“[It affects my decision to go to the dance], because knowing the money goes to a good cause
makes me want to help,” Yetukuri said.

Students such as Turner loved it when they were told that Dutton farms supply many
opportunities to people of all ages and no matter what impairment they have.

“I think that this organization is great,” Turner said. “It allows the members to be around
others like them. It’s a great opportunity for people to act like themselves and a safe place for
them to be. It also allows them to experience different opportunities that they may not have
had before.”
Overall, Dutton Farm does a lot for people in our community. Their nonprofit organization
allows individuals opportunities they may have never gotten before, warming the hearts of
many students like Lafleur.

“This cause makes me feel extremely happy,” Lafleur freshman, said. “People need to do more
good things and this organization gives people the opportunity to help others do things they
thought they would never get to do.”