About Us
How We Got Here
It’s no secret. Our schools are underfunded, and every year more and more activities are limited or even outright cut because they lack the requisite funding. Classroom supply costs are often passed along to teachers, field trips have become a challenge, and sports programs struggle for equipment, uniforms, and travel.
Countless community organizations, service groups, mission works, and more are struggling to reach their full potential because they just don’t have enough funding. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a TON of real needs in our community.
We knew we had a platform large enough to make a difference. We just needed to dream up the right vehicle….
It started innocently enough. A local preschool asked us if we could get them some mums so they could have a fundraiser. We thought about it for a moment, and said “we can help, but I am not sure that’ll raise a lot of money… maybe… hmmm… maybe…”
We aren’t good a ‘halfway solutions’ in general. All in, baby. ALL IN.
“Hmmm… what if we just build a fundraising COMPANY! (dramatic pause while my wife and friends look at me like I am insane).
They may be correct. Yet, in 2021, Blue Barn Fundraising was officially born!
Today, our mission remains the same – to give away over $1,000,000 using ONLY locally-sourced products. Best of all – every single cent stays RIGHT HERE in our community; from the small businesses and farms and families who produce our awesome products to the sponsoring organizations hosting the fundraisers who receive the proceeds.
Unlike most fundraising programs, especially ones used in many public schools which are wonderful, but based in faraway parts of the country – Blue Barn Fundraising is solely focused on our community here in Northern Indiana.
Whether you are a large public school, a small not-for-profit, a local sports team, a marching band or dance troupe, a preschool or service organization, or any awesome group that needs to raise funds for a useful cause – we’ve got your back.
No fees. No minimums. And we do nearly all the “hard” work of packing and labeling orders. We want to be your partner – and become a small part of the big thing your organization wants to accomplish.
We’ve all got a big mission to accomplish, so let’s get after it!
The Faces Behind The Fundraising
Chris and Shanda Scheeren (along with Mom, Peggy) are the engine behind our fundraising efforts. Shanda is the full-time Event Director for Blue Barn (let’s be real, she’s the Big Boss!) and Peggy runs the farm (wait, SHE’S the BIG Boss…).
This mother/daughter team has turned a gravel pit in an unincorporated township into one of the most successful businesses in Northern Indiana – and had a blast along the way!
Chris is the founder of Blue Barn Fundraising and a partner at Blue Barn Berry Farm. When Chris isn’t tending to his passion project, he is a frequently booked speaker and consultant who has reached more than 500,000 people across the globe, including powerhouse Fortune 500 Companies, professional sports teams, universities, and the United States Army.
Feel free to connect with us (Chris & Shanda) on LinkedIn or drop an email anytime.
About Blue Barn Berry Farm
Blue Barn Berry Farm is a family-owned business located in Syracuse, Indiana, directly across from Dewart Lake. Blue Barn has been honored to be named Syracuse’s Small Business of the Year in 2020 and Kosciusko County’s Rising Star Business in 2021.
Blue Barn is an idyllic tourist attraction with their you-pick blueberry and blackberry farm (be sure to say hello to the free-range chickens!) and delightful seasonal country market where you can find delicious local produce in addition to many of the local products offered through the fundraising efforts.
Blue Barn is also home to a gorgeous lakeside indoor/outdoor event facility that has become one of the premier wedding venues in the Midwest, hosting more than 15,000 guests annually. The facility is available to rent for weddings and large events.
Two additional smaller meeting/venue spaces are also available, the Harvest Room (located adjacent to the country market), and the new Farmhouse Event Venue – located 0.3 miles away. Blue Barn’s Even Venue has a capacity of 225 guests, while Farmhouse can easily accommodate 70 guests for more intimate rehearsal dinners, banquets, showers, and other celebrations.
For more info on Blue Barn Berry Farm, follow us on Facebook or visit www.bluebarnberryfarm.com
