The group is raising funds for their summer mission trip by placing flocks of 24 pink flamingos in area residents’ yards. They also are planting a sign that tells the homeowners how to contact “flamingo removal” experts.
When residents call, they are asked to make a $25 donation for the trip. “They can also direct the flock to land in someone else’s yard,” says Pastor Marc Murchison. “If people want to buy ‘flamingo insurance’ to keep the birds away, there is a suggested donation of $35.”
In just one week, the group has raised nearly $1,000, says Murchison. “This fundraiser has created so much excitement that we are going to have a hard time keeping up with all the requests for the flamingos to land in someone’s yard. We are already falling behind with all the demand.” (Accompanying photo shows the flamingo management crew.)
Pine Ridge is home to the Oglala Lakota Sioux Nation and is one of the poorest communities in the country, says Murchison. He adds that 97 percent of the people live below the poverty line, unemployment hovers around 85 percent, and the average family income is just $3,700.
