6/1 PRESS RELEASE

Redman House Progress Notes
Contact: Dale Skillicorn
President, Redman Foundation

The past month has seen us move forward on at least three fronts: the demonstration farm, finalization of our non-profit status, and community support. Aside from the demonstration apple orchard, we are drawing up the agreement with an organic farmer to farm about one half of the remaining crop area. In addition, we have been contacted by a regional organization which helps young farmers get a start. They've been successfully helping young farmers in Monterey County for nearly 20 years. They would like to partner with us and use the remaining crop area for a start-up farm training project. That ties in perfectly with our demonstration farm educational program.

As for our non-profit status, we have concluded the Foundation's trial period and filed the forms showing our growing community support during the past five years. The recent annual reports were properly filed, but filings for a couple of previous years by an earlier Administration had been missed. With State staff's cooperation those missing annual reports are now being filed. The IRS assured us in writing that donations made while this process is being completed are still tax deductible. It was noted that community support provided nearly 80% of the Foundation's income during these first five years. The other 20% came from sales at the produce stand, the Pumpkin Patch, Christmas tree lot and other merchandise such as posters, gift baskets and Shadowbrook Restaurant's fundraiser events donations.

In the Foundation's first year, 1999, donations totaled $6,285.25. There had also been previous donations while organizing which totaled about $7,000 including a $5,000 donation to start a roof fund, plus about $2,000 in cash and in-kind contributions by Redman House Committee organizers. Delays in getting the roof and foundation work done has centered on the fact that the Foundation does not yet own the property. However, such work is a top priority, and as part of our negotiations for acquiring the property, we are proposing to go ahead with foundation and roof work, with the costs being applied against the acquisition price. Estimated cost of repairing the roof is in the $65,000 - $80,000 range. Donations will go into a special Roof Fund set aside specifically for this part of the project. Any contributions will be gladly accepted. Cost of work on the house's foundation is estimated at about $320,000. Donations should be made out to the Redman Foundation with a notation if it is for the Roof Fund or House Foundation.
From the first year total of $6,285.25, Foundation support has grown to $41,060.35 for 2003. A five years total income of $74,405.77 has been achieved for the Redman House project. Much of that has gone towards lease payments, taxes, developing business and project plans, plus constructing and operating the produce stand. And it has all been achieved by support from the community. Support has come from visitors residing as far away as the East Coast and as nearby as our neighbors on Lee Road and West Beach, by celebrities and by young students just starting on their paths to unknown futures. An interest in saving the Redman-Hirahara House and restoring it to its former splendor is bringing such a diversity of individuals together. (see our Supporters page) Perhaps now is the time for you to join them in increasing support as we move closer to full acquisition and implementation of the Redman House restoration project. (see our How You Can Help page) We are presently setting some Summer and Fall activities. Our next Progress Report will list upcoming events and financial timelines.

The Redman Foundation P.O. Box 2526 Watsonville, CA 95077 831-768-1867

Thank you, The Redman Foundation Board ID #770509782