LANCASTER — Many people may not be aware of a local youth development program that teaches leadership, citizenship and life skills to approximately 1,200 traditional 4-H club members each year.
An upcoming event will allow people to not only learn about the Fairfield County 4-H Youth Development program, but support it at the same time.
The 4-H Endowment Board is hosting its annual Legacy Dinner on June 11 at CEC Turf & Tractor in Canal Winchester.
This year marks the 15th year for the dinner, which is the major fundraiser for the 4-H endowment. According to Blake Fox, president of the board, while the 4-H Youth Development program received federal, state and county funding, friends and former 4-Hers met several years ago to begin what is now known as the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment.
The mission of this endowment and the board who manage it is to raise awareness and dollars for long-term investment in the 4-H program.
“Our hope is to plant a legacy for 4-Hers for generations to come,” Fox said.
While most of the 1,200 young people participate in the traditional 4-H club experiences, an additional 1,800 youth are exposed to 4-H work through school enrichment programs. And children who are not yet 4-H age can participate in a non-competing, activity-based curriculum known as the Cloverbud program, according to the community announcement.
In addition, the 4-H Youth Development program also creates training and leadership opportunities for nearly 250 4-H advisors in our county.
4-Hers who will be guest speakers at the dinner include Katie Cade (Photography), Samantha Bader (Natural Resources), Henry Hoisington (OTA Local Government Award), Dominic Wood (Engineering), Charlie Sponseller (rabbits), Nolan Shaffer (companion animals) and Alaina Bell (Citizenship & Community Service).
Other honorees to recognize who will recognized are Orchid Award winner Kay Williamson and Alumni Award winners Pete Tooill and Katy Endsley.
The dinner will begin with appetizers and the auction preview at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30.
The auctioneer is Doug Leith of Leith Auctions, LLC in Pleasantville, who has been a long-time supporter of the 4-H program, having served as both the auctioneer at the dinner and the Fairfield County Fair livestock auction for many years.
Tickets are $50 or $500 for a table of eight. Tickets can be bought online at: https://pci.jotform.com/form/240928263200146
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board hosts 15th annual Legacy Dinner
Reporting by Lancaster Eagle-Gazette / Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
