During this past month the question of, “are we having our annual Pumpkin Patch” has been asked by many people and has been discussed thoroughly by church leadership. In September, after a lengthy discussion the Cabinet decided to cancel the Pumpkin Patch due to Covid-19 related health concerns, primarily safely unloading the pumpkins off the truck.

This decision was entirely motivated by the desire to be good public health stewards and not from lack of desire to have the Patch. Church leadership recognizes that in addition to being a fundraiser, the Pumpkin Patch has become an important and anticipated event for both the church and the community. In wanting to continue a beloved tradition the Cabinet has approved a proposal to self-fund and “Adopt our Pumpkin Patch.”

This year, instead of the Navajos in Farmington provid-ing us with 1,200-1,500 pumpkins to offload and sell, we will be purchasing approximately 500 pumpkins from Tanaka Farms in Irvine. The Farm will deliver the pump-kins in boxes on pallets and the farm’s delivery crew will unload them off the truck. We would then need to un-pack the boxes of pumpkins and arrange them in the patch. The order will cost approximately $2,500. This price includes a 20% discount for nonprofits and a deliv-ery fee of $150.

We are asking the Church of the Foothills family to help “Adopt our Pumpkin Patch” with a donation of $25 or more. We are already feeling the love for the Patch with 2 church members already committed to a donation of $500. If you are interested in supporting the Patch by making a donation, please contact Pastor Kel or the church office.

I agree with the sentiment that the Pumpkin Patch has become a loved and valued tradition. I am thrilled that we once again making the neighborhood feel like fall by providing a very need light and life for both the church and the neighborhood….time to break out the orange hair dye.