Rico’s Road Home” Children's Book Launch & Fundraiser
Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary to Host Children’s Book Launch and Fundraiser on August 3rd in Litchfield, CT
Event celebrates true rescue story of Rico the zonkey and raises funds for a new sanctuary site and educational programming.
LITCHFIELD, CT — On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary will host a heartfelt book launch and fundraising event at the charming Lost Fox Inn in Litchfield, celebrating the release of Rico’s Road Home, a children’s book based on the powerful true story of a rescued zonkey.
The event will raise critical funds for the sanctuary’s relocation and expansion through The Stewardship Project: Compassion, Conservation, and Community, an initiative to integrate animal rescue, environmental education, and therapeutic programming for children and families across Connecticut.
Founded in 2018 by Lisa Miskella, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary was born from a deeply personal journey. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2012, Lisa sought meaning and healing through connection with animals. Her research led her to the shocking truth that farm animals are among the most abused and neglected beings on the planet. Fueled by compassion and a desire to make a lasting difference, Lisa founded the sanctuary to provide a forever home to animals no one else would save.
Since then, over 100 animals have been rescued from cruelty, abandonment, and slaughter pipelines.
One such animal is Rico, a donkey with zebra stripes—later confirmed to be a rare zonkey—who was rescued from a kill pen after enduring horrific abuse, starvation, and trauma. Though blind in one eye and severely dehydrated, Rico made a long journey across the country to the sanctuary, where he now lives in peace. Rico’s Road Home tells his story of survival, healing, and learning to trust again—offering young readers an inspiring message about kindness and hope.
📚 Event Details:
- What: Book Launch & Fundraiser for Rico’s Road Home
- When: Sunday, August 3, 2025
- Where: The Lost Fox Inn, 571 Torrington Road Litchfield, CT
- Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
- Highlights: Signed copies of Rico’s Road Home, Wine and light refreshments, including vegan cheeses, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, silent auction with amazing items up for bid, and information on The Stewardship Project
All proceeds from the event and book sales will benefit Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary’s capital campaign to relocate and build a new sanctuary facility with dedicated space for:
- Humane education programs for children and teens
- Animal-assisted therapy for individuals with emotional and physical needs
- Environmental initiatives like pollinator gardens, rainwater systems, and composting
- Community involvement through seasonal events, volunteer opportunities, and off-site programming
“This event is more than a celebration of a book—it’s a call to action,” said Lisa Miskella. “Through The Stewardship Project, we’re creating a place where people can learn to care more deeply—not just for animals, but for one another and our planet.”
🐾 About Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary
Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Connecticut, providing lifelong sanctuary to abused, neglected, and abandoned farm animals. With a mission rooted in compassion, conservation, and community, FFAS is expanding to educate and empower the next generation through hands-on humane education and environmental stewardship.