JERRY’S PROGRAM
Inspired by Jerry's vision, we invite every buyer on Farmer's Market Online to make a difference. At checkout, you can easily support Jerry's Program, directly fueling the FMO community mission. These vital contributions uplift local teachers, schools, universities, businesses, and organizations, which are essential to our communities - the way Jerry envisioned.
Jerry Longmeier
We all have an educator or mentor who will forever hold a place in our hearts. Jerry Longmeier was just that for hundreds of students as he taught high school classes for 33 years in Eastern Washington. Jerry was not just an educator, to many including our founder, he was a friend, mentor, coach, shoulder, protector, and an unsung hero - day in and day out. Jerry didn’t just teach class, he taught life skills. He believed there were no bad kids and proved it through his actions. He respected and inspired extraordinary students and challenged students alike. Jerry poured his heart and energy into quietly inspiring each student individually. It wouldn’t be surprising if every student Jerry taught would quietly reflect on how they were clearly his favorite.
In Jerry’s case, the word “Dedication” only hints at his conviction. He taught students work ethic and fairness, and how both truly are the secret to success. He would start every day early in the morning and stay late after school to help his students. The founder himself recalls often getting up at 5:00AM just to meet and launch a new project with Jerry at school. Jerry also taught trust, mutual respect, how to be a custodian of our community, and most importantly how to give people a second chance.
Through Jerry’s leadership role with the local FFA program, he helped many students (including our founder) start small businesses in high school, at a time when many families were struggling economically, and jobs were hard to find. He instinctively knew that nurturing the passion that lies within those around him was the secret to helping them become all they could be and many times more than they themselves imagined. Jerry had an amazing ability to see students for who they would become and the tenacity to help them see their own future. Jerry was a very disarming man. His quick wit, ever-present smile, and undeniable ability to make every kid feel welcome, often set the stage for a student’s development without them even knowing. All said, Jerry was the inspiration for countless students who would ultimately excel in careers in science, engineering, business, law, healthcare, agriculture, construction, etc...
At Farmer’s Market Online, we believe every maker, grower, and artisan deserves a chance to pursue their passion and discover who they can become within a nurturing community - just like Jerry. He inspired us to build a business that is based on enablement, mutual respect, connection, community engagement, and education. Jerry’s Program will carry that spirit forward by supporting charitable organizations, programs, and communities that further opportunities, experiences and pathways that help people discover and develop what they love. Through it, Farmer’s Market Online hopes to continue sharing the inspiration Jerry gave so freely.
PROGRAM INFORMATION & LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Your participation in Jerry’s Program is voluntary. Jerry’s Program is not a 501(c)(3) charity, but a pass-through initiative where Farmer’s Market Online distributes your contributions to charitable organizations, programs, and communities of our choosing that support Jerry’s mission. You acknowledge and agree that up to 25% of your contribution may go toward paying our administrative costs of managing Jerry’s Program. We will provide regular updates on the beneficiaries and distribution amounts on our website at least two times per year. We will have no further reporting obligations to you with respect to the contributions. Contributions may not be eligible for tax deductions and are non-refundable. We reserve the right to discontinue Jerry’s Program and/or reject or discontinue collecting contributions at any time and without notice to you.