In early 2000, a small group of community leaders who also happened to be former 4-H members began collecting ideas and thoughts to establish a Fairfield County 4-H Endowment fund. Their objective was to be sure funds where available in the future that could compliment the Fairfield County 4-H Youth Development program when they were needed.
The first goal was to raise $25,000 in order to establish an Endowment fund at the Ohio State University. After that goal was accomplished in 2005, the following year the group formally organized into the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board. In August, 2013 the Board established a second Endowment fund to be held at the Fairfield County Foundation. This allowed donations to stay locally upon the request of sponsors and donors.
In only 10 years since their original organization, the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment has come a long way. During that time the Board has hosted seven major fund raising dinners, organized awareness breakfasts at the start of the annual Fairfield County Fair and now has grown to a Board of 20 members that includes a cross section of community leaders, supporters, 4-H advisors and parents.
As an example of the tremendous community support the Endowment has received, in 2016 the 4-H Legacy Dinner drew over 275 participants and raised more than $22,000 for the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment accounts. As we look towards 2017, we encourage you to mark June 22 on your calendar as the date for this year’s Legacy dinner, being hosted by the Grube family at their farm near Baltimore.
Another example of community support for the Endowment during this year was the annual 4-H Awareness Breakfast held at the Fairfield County Fair and enjoyed by more than 300 individuals. Many thanks to the South Central Power’s Operation Round Up Grant for their financial support of this effort.
As I reflect, on this year’s activities I encourage you to consider making a donation of either your time or your energies and get involved in our efforts. We are always encouraging new folks to become involved with our Board. The purpose of the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment continues to be to encourage contributions, gifts, grants and bequests to be invested through The Ohio State University Endowment and the Fairfield County Foundation for the long term financial benefit of Fairfield County’s 4-H Youth Development program. While the annual interest income from Endowment held at OSU is used to provide a source of additional program funding towards the efforts of our 4-H youth and volunteers, donations held as principal in the 4-H Endowment accounts will help us to attain our goal of raising $1.5 million dollars to endow a staff position for 4-H within the Fairfield County Extension Office.
We are committed to growing our next generation of leaders in Fairfield County. For more information regarding the 4-H Endowment and ways to “give back” explore this Legacy Blog site through the links above, or contact our Endowment Treasurer Michael Michael at michaelfarms@aol.com or members of our Major gifts Committee: Ron Ruff ron@rruffcpa.com and Chad Endsley cendsley@ofbf.org
Best Wishes for a Healthy and Prosperous 2017,
Connie Smith
President
Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board