With a hint of winter in the air, area farmers are working overtime to gather their harvests before fields are covered in a blanket of fresh, white snow. Just last week, a crew converged on Saint Elizabeth’s Field of Dreams to pick this season’s corn crop, which is expected to be a cash cow for Saint Elizabeth’s Surgery Department. Estimates suggest the crop will yield close to $20,000.

The Field of Dreams, now in its tenth season, has grown into a unique rural collaboration. Generous contributions of seed, fertilizer, herbicides, labor, and equipment from area farmers have realized many dreams. The dollars raised from this partnership have supported significant capital improvements and technological advancements. Last year, the project raised $18,000 for digital mammography. This year’s harvest will help fund the addition of two state-of-the-art surgery suites.

The project’s success is credited in large part to the Wabasha area farming community. Jim and Kathy Schurhammer, Tony Wallerich, Gene and John Marx, and many others donated their goods and services to ensure another profitable season for the medical center.

“Jake Abbott also needs to be commended for his support of the Field of Dreams,” says Tom Crowley. “The famers appointed Jake to the position of farm manager. It was his vision that fueled the idea for this exceptional fundraising project. Over the years the harvest of corn and beans has raised thousands of dollars for Saint Elizabeth’s. We’re grateful for the ongoing support and hard work of our farmers.”

The fields surrounding Saint Elizabeth’s now lay dormant for a long winter respite. But rest assured, as spring comes knocking on our door new seeds will be sown and more dreams will come true.