An Eagle Scout Project That Transformed Grateful Acres

Frankie is a gentle cow who proudly calls Grateful Acres home. From sunrise to sunset, he can usually be found grazing peacefully in his paddock, watching the world go by and greeting visitors with his calm presence. Over time, it became clear that Frankie needed more room to roam, stretch his legs, and truly enjoy the life he deserves on the farm. Expanding his fence and paddock became a long-held dream for Grateful Acres — one rooted in care, compassion, and our commitment to animal well-being.

In October, that dream finally became a reality, thanks to the incredible generosity and dedication of our community. Over the course of two years, neighbors, supporters, and friends came together through their donations, slowly building the foundation for something truly special. What seemed like a distant goal transformed into a moment of celebration and pride for everyone involved.

This project was brought to life by an outstanding young man, Blake Boettler, who chose Frankie’s fence and paddock expansion as his Eagle Scout Project. Blake not only demonstrated remarkable leadership and initiative, but also inspired others to give their time, talent, and support. He successfully raised an impressive amount of funding and enlisted the help of Troop #916, turning a meaningful idea into a powerful act of service.

Thanks to Blake, Troop #916, and a group of dedicated volunteers, the entire project was completed in under ten hours — all in one extraordinary day. Through teamwork, determination, and hard work, Frankie’s new space was built with care and purpose, reflecting the very values Grateful Acres was founded upon.

We are forever grateful to Blake Boettler, Troop #916, and our generous community for helping make this long-time dream a reality. Frankie now enjoys a larger, safer, and more enriching space, and his story stands as a beautiful reminder of what can be achieved when compassion and community come together at Grateful Acres.