Event

Attend the 4-H Endowment Dinner on June 12th, Leave a Legacy!

Make your reservation today, and plan to join us for an evening of fun, food and giving at the 2025 Fairfield County 4-H Legacy Dinner and Auction! This year’s event is being held at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 12, and tickets are now on sale.

The Fairfield County 4-H Youth Development program strives to teach leadership, citizenship and life skills to nearly 1,200 4-H club members each year. While most of these young people participate in the traditional 4-H club experiences, children who are not yet 4-H age can participate in a non-competing, activity based curriculum known as the Cloverbud program. Nearly 1800 additional youth are exposed to 4-H work through our 4-H ChickQuest school enrichment program. In addition, the 4-H Youth Development program also offers training and leadership opportunities for more than 250 4-H advisors in our county.

While dollars to support the 4-H Youth Development program are received cooperatively through Federal, State and County funding, several years ago friends and former 4-Hers met 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. Their hope is to leave a Legacy for 4-Hers for generations to come by generating enough funding over time to endow a 4-H position in Fairfield County.

The major annual event of the 4-H Endowment Board is the Legacy Dinner and Auction which will be held this year on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Ed Sands Building at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster. The evening will begin with appetizers, and the auction preview at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00. The entire evening is dedicated to the benefit of the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment when you will enjoy great food, fellowship with other supporters of our county’s 4-H program, and perhaps most importantly, lots of fun!

You are invited to help leave a legacy by simply attending, and/or by becoming one of the contributing sponsors for the evening. There are actually four different ways for you to consider becoming involved and supporting the effort of the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment.

First, for $75 you can attend and simply enjoy a great meal!

Second, for $750 you may purchase a table for 8 to attend the Dinner and Auction and share the table with your business colleagues or friends.

A third alternative for participation is a donation for either the silent or live Legacy Auction that is held during the Legacy Dinner. Examples of suggested items that are appreciated for these auctions include themed gift baskets, event tickets, autographed memorabilia, gift certificates, jewelry, photography, art work, baked goods and sweet treats, or any items that represent 4-H and youth. You may also find a listing of few items already included in the Auctions on the Legacy Auction page.

If you would like to offer your support by simply become a contributing sponsor of the event, there are multiple levels of support available ranging from donations and/or sponsorships. Consider sponsoring a 4-H teen to attend this event at $75 or being a Friend of 4-H and donate any amount of your choice.

Regardless of the extent you choose to participate, we do hope you will come and share in an evening of food, fellowship and fun in support of the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Dinner and Auction.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity by sending in your reservations or even better scan the QR code and make your reservations online. Get yours at go.osu.edu/legacy

Or scan this QR code:

Don’t delay . . . if mailing in your reservation, please have it postmarked by Saturday, May 31!

 

2025 4-H Endowment Dinner & Auction coming on June 12

Dear Friends of the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment . . . mark the date – Thursday, June 12th – on your calendar for the 2025 4-H Legacy Dinner and Auction.

This year, the event will take place at the Ed Sands/Farm Bureau Building on the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. We’re excited about the location this year as we look forward to the 175th Anniversary of the Fairfield County Fair. The fairgrounds offers ample parking, no need for portable restrooms, and an opportunity for lots of reflection back on the great traditions of years gone by.

Mark the date – June 12th – and plan to bring a friend and join us to celebrate Fairfield County 4-H.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please review our sponsorship packet: 2025 4-H Endowment Sponsorship & Donation Opportunities

Invitations will be mailed soon and shared on this blog site. All are welcome to attend!

When you give to the Fairfield County Endowment did you know you are helping to support one of the nation’s largest youth development organizations?

Fairfield County 4-H has been around for over 100 years and has continued to grow and flourish to enhance the life of the youth here in Fairfield County.  Members can participate in over 200 projects, that are organized into five major areas; agriculture, family and community health, leadership and citizenship, natural resources and STEM.  It is believed that kids learn best by doing so participating in projects helps to nurture their love for the topic along with gaining leadership skills that can last a lifetime.

Fairfield County is no stranger to this hands-on learning approach with an outstanding number of 4-H members along with volunteers that help to make this program successful. In 2024, Fairfield County has 953 traditional members ranging from 8 years old and in 3rd grade to 18 years old. Additionally, 202 Cloverbud members, that are 5 years old to 8 years old, are being introduced to the 4-H community. Serving this many members is only possible with the help of 241 adult volunteers who run 55 traditional and specialty clubs.

Most recently in the summer months, the 4-H community has been busy participating in both summer judging and 4-H camp that are both great opportunities for the youth that participate in the programs. During summer judging this year, 403 projects were evaluated which included 273 of the 4-H project members. Summer judging allows 4-H members the opportunity to present the work they completed thru out the year on their projects ranging from cooking, sewing, creative writing, gardening to even Horseless Horse. Presenting to a judge the skills and information they have learned while also developing great interview skills. Judging is taken place during the first of July so that project winners may advance on to State Fair. Over 100 of these projects were selected to move on to the Ohio State Fair in July and August. Fairfield County 4-H Members brought home 41 Outstanding of the Day Rosettes, 6 Clock Trophies, and 2 Cash Awards as state winners.

Summertime isn’t complete though without some fun at 4-H Camp. 4-H members can attend camp both locally and at Tar Hollow State Park and is available for all ages of members. This year, there were 39 members that attended Day Camp at Alley Park along with 62 members that attended Cloverbud Camp also at Alley Park. Junior Camp had a large turnout of 112 members which was hosted down at Tar Hollow along with 61 members that attended Senior Overnight Camp.

The busy 4-H year continues to be in full swing as members and advisors prepare for the Fairfield County Fair in October! The 2024 Fairfield County Fair will be held October 6th through the 12th. Be sure to stop out and support the hard work of the Junior Fair exhibitors by attending the 4-H Endowment Breakfast on Sunday, October 6th from 8-10 a.m. in the Rickett’s Hall. Can’t make it to the breakfast but would like to support the 4-H Endowment? Consider being a pancake breakfast sponsor. More information can be found in our 2024 Pancake Breakfast – 4-H Legacy Dinner Sponsorship Packet.

See you at the fair!

What’s coming up on the auction block?! And, there’s still time to get your tickets!

The 4-H Legacy dinner is just weeks away, and it’s approaching fast. The Endowment Committee is hard at work preparing for this event, and we would like to extend a personal invitation to ensure you don’t miss this remarkable occasion. This event is a prime opportunity to support the Endowment Fund, which offers numerous benefits to 4-H organizations in our county. It’s also a chance to connect with others who share your passion and dedication to this cause. Get your tickets before May 31st by purchasing them online at go.osu.edu/legacy or sending in your response card to RSVP. Click here fore more ticket information.

This year, Cheers Chalet will not only host the event but also cater the meal. For those who have yet to experience their cuisine, it’s an opportunity not to be missed!

We’re excited about the exceptional array of auction items up for bid. We owe huge thanks to everyone who has contributed items so far; the dinner wouldn’t be the same without your support.

Below is a preview of some of the items that will be up for auction.

  • 10 yards of concrete donated by Buckeye Ready Mix
  • 2 OSU Football Tickets to the Sept 21st Marshall vs. Ohio State Football Game donated by Buckeye Ready Mix
  • 1 Spray In Bed Liner donated by McGuire’s Distinctive Trucks
  • Generator donated by McGuire’s Distinctive Truck
  • Suite at the OSU Hockey Game which includes 12 Tickets, 3 Parking Passes, and a $200 food credit donated by Fairfield Real Estate Investors
  • 2 Luke Bryant VIP Tickets donated by Miller Farms
  • Table Top Grill and Charcoal donated by Pickerington Tractor Supply
  • Compost Bin including Compost Charcoal Bricks and Tabletop Compost Crock along with Gardening Kit donated by Kendall Wild (Fairfield County’s own 2024 State Achievement Winner in Environmental Sciences).
  • Fire Pit, 2 Camping Chairs, and S’more Game donated by Kendall Wild

Expect to see a few bundles on the auction too:

  • Camping Bundle that includes: 2 lbs rolls of Sausage, 1 lb sausage Patties, 1 lb Hamburger Patties, 1 lb Brats, 4 New York Strip Steaks, and 4 Pork Chops
  • Destination Downtown Bundle includes: a $20 Gift Certificate to Fruit Passion, a $25 Gift Certificate to JB’s Downtown Grill, a $25 Gift Certificate to Triple P’s, Small Plant from Stump, along with a Gift Certificate for a free haircut from Heritage.
  • Fair Week Fest Bundle includes 4 Jimmy Jawbreakers, $25 Gift Certificate to Falcon’s Nest, $20 Gift Certificate to Bubble Buss
  • Birthday Bash Bundle includes; Free Party Space Rental at Picture Perfect Ranch, Digital Invites done by Rising Tide Marketing, a Certificate for Balloon Arrangement at Sky High Balloons, a one-hour photo session done by Surge Images, and a Gift Card to Clearcreek Cakes and Bakes

Along with other baskets donated by area 4-H clubs along with other locally grown and made products.

And the ever-great Homemade Baked Goods from Pies to Cinnamon Rolls. With Gift Certificates for Homemade Pies made for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity by sending in your reservations or even better scan the QR code and make your reservations online.

Get yours at go.osu.edu/legacy

Or scan this QR code:

Find ticket information linked here. Don’t delay . . . if mailing in your reservation, please have it postmarked by Friday, May 31!

 

Leaving a Legacy – Be a sponsor to the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment

The Fairfield County 4-H Endowment is a 501(c)(3) located in Fairfield County, Ohio. Although planning for the endowment was started in 2000, it became fully endowed in 2006. The goal of the board is to generate funds sufficient to endow a 4-H position in Fairfield County and support the 4-H youth development program, allowing the 4-H tradition to continue for generations to come.

The endowment also provides select funding for educational opportunities, achievement trips, training and personal development for 4-H members and volunteers throughout the county. The foundation is operated by a board of nearly 25 local community members who believe in the power of 4-H.

Fairfield County 4-H Highlights:

  • The program serves over 3,150 youth each year through traditional club and school enrichment programming.
  • This year, 241 active 4-H volunteers will lead 55 project clubs and 25 Cloverbud clubs.
  • The program offers four summer camp options, where more than 350 youth attend camp annually.

The first Legacy Dinner fundraiser was held in 2010 and draws hundreds of attendees who support the youth in the Fairfield County 4-H program. We invite you to attend and/or support our annual event this year. The 2024 Legacy Dinner will be held on Thursday, June 13 at Cheers Chalet, located at 1211 Coonpath Road NW, Lancaster, OH 43130. RSVP forms are located at u.osu.edu/4Hlegacy.

Legacy Dinner Agenda:

  • 5:00 p.m. – Registration, social hour and silent auction
  • 6:00 p.m. – Dinner catered by Cheers Chalet
  • 6:45 p.m. – Silent auction closes
  • 7:00 p.m. – Program and live auction

Please consider making a financial contribution with sponsorship or a donation of goods/services to include in our auction. Please complete the attached sponsorship or donation forms by May 31.
You can find contact information for board members leading the sponsorship and auction initiatives on the following pages. For more information about the board, visit u.osu.edu/4Hlegacy.
We appreciate your support.

Please review this document for more information: 2024 4-H Legacy Dinner Sponsorship Donation Opportunities

For sponsorship questions, please contact Leland Tinklepaugh at leland.tinklepaugh@e-farmcredit.com.

ONE WEEK to get your Legacy Dinner reservations in! New this year, get your tickets ONLINE!

The 2024 edition of the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment’s Legacy Dinner and Auction is about three weeks away and, if you’ve yet to get your tickets, the time is now!

This year’s event is Thursday, June 13th and will take place at Cheers Chalet in Lancaster (1211 Coonpath Rd NW).

Schedule for the evening:

  • 5:00 p.m. Registration, Social Hour, and Silent Auction
  • 6:00 p.m. Dinner
  • 6:45 p.m. Silent Auction Closes
  • 7:00 p.m. Program and Live Auction

The entire evening is dedicated to the benefit of the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment all while enjoying great food, fellowship with other supporters of our County’s 4-H program, and perhaps most importantly, lots of fun!

New this year – tickets can be purchased ONLINE!

Get yours at go.osu.edu/legacy

Or scan this QR code:

Find ticket information linked here. Don’t delay . . . if mailing in your reservation, please have it postmarked by Friday, May 31!

Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board to Host Annual Legacy Dinner June 13, 2024

Event Reservations Due: May 31, 2024

LANCASTER, Ohio – The Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board is hosting the annual Legacy Dinner where 4-H supporters can enjoy a night out on June 13, as well as raise funds for the 4-H program. The event will be hosted at Cheers Chalet in Lancaster, Ohio, starting with a social hour and silent auction at 5 p.m., followed by dinner catered by Cheers Chalet at 6 p.m. The program and live auction will commence at 7 p.m.

Event tickets are $75 per person, and table reservations that seat eight people are available for $750.

“As a 4-H alumna of Fairfield County, I want to see the program continue to thrive and support our youth,” said Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board President Heather Wilson. “Our board members are enthusiastic about growing the endowment, and it’s been great to see local businesses, community members and 4-H families generously support the fund since 2006. We’re excited to bring the community together again to support this cause and enjoy a night of fun with friends.”

Although planning for the endowment was started in 2000, it became fully endowed in 2006. The first Legacy Dinner was held in 2010 and has grown to several hundred attendees supporting the youth in the Fairfield County 4-H program. The goal of the board is to generate funds sufficient to endow a 4-H position in Fairfield County and support the 4-H youth development program, allowing the 4-H tradition to continue for generations to come.

“Our county’s 4-H program serves over 3,000 youth and nearly 250 adult volunteers each year through traditional club and school enrichment programming,” said Fairfield County 4-H Extension Educator Leslie Cooksey. “The endowment board works hard to ensure 4-H remains funded in the county for generations to come.”

Business owners and employees, 4-H families, community members and all 4-H supporters are invited to attend the event to support the future of the 4-H program in Fairfield County.

Sponsorships are available as well. For more information, contact: Leland Tinklepaugh at leland.tinklepaugh@e-farmcredit.com.

Click here to view 2024 Legacy Dinner Invite and 2024 Response Card.

Checks can be made payable to one of two funds:

  • 4-H Fairfield County Foundation Fund (Money stays in Fairfield County. No Ohio State University gift credit given)
  • Fairfield County 4-H Endowment. On the check memo line designate: Fund #642082** (Earn Ohio State University gift credit and receive a giving receipt from The Ohio State University)

“4-H camps and trips are great learning experiences for youth and teens,” said Fairfield County 4-H Extension Educator Aubry Fowler. “The endowment board helps to fund many of those life-changing trips for 4-H members each year from interest money alone.”

The 2024 event is to be held at Cheers Chalet at 1211 Coonpath Road NW, Lancaster, OH 43130. Reservations and payment should be mailed to: Fairfield County 4-H Endowment, c/o Laura Johnson, PO Box 564, Lancaster, OH 43130.

To subscribe to updates, visit the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment blog at u.osu.edu/4hlegacy

About the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment
The endowment was created in 2006 to raise funds to support the future of the 4-H program in Fairfield County and endow a position of a 4-H Educator if other funding sources dwindle. The 4-H Endowment consists of two permanent funds made possible through individual donations, business contributions and fundraising events. The 4-H Fairfield County Foundation Fund allows the money to be housed in Fairfield County. (No OSU gift credit given) and the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment is operated by the Ohio State University (Fund #642082). Visit u.osu.edu/4Hlegacy to learn more.

About the Fairfield County 4-H Program
4-H is a non-formal educational, youth development program offered to individuals age 5 and in kindergarten to age 19. The Fairfield County 4-H program was founded in 1920. The program currently reaches more than 3,000 youth each year through traditional club and school enrichment programming – helping kids “learn by doing” through hands-on activities. For more information, visit fairfield.osu.edu.

 

Support the Fairfield 4-H Endowment on #GivingTuesday (Nov. 28th and 29th)

Fairfield County 4-H Supporter,

It’s the giving season, and I wanted to make you aware of an opportunity to increase the impact of your charitable dollars for a program that impacts more than 1,200 youth a year in traditional 4-H clubs and 1,800 youth through school enrichment programs within the county.

Starting at 8 a.m. on November 28, the Fairfield County Foundation (one location where funds are invested for the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment) will host their 10th annual #GivingTuesday event.

This year, during the 34-Hour Give, the Foundation will award $34,000 in gifts, matching donations made over 34 hours. Plus, the Foundation is giving away an additional $10,000 this year!

When to Give: November 28 at 8 a.m. through November 29 at 6 p.m.

How to Give: 

  • Donate online at FairfieldCountyFoundation.org through the “Donate Now” button (search “4-H Fairfield County Foundation Fund”), OR
  • In-person to the Fairfield County Foundation offices, located at 162 E. Main Street in Lancaster between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

These donations must be made online or in-person during the specified 34-hour timeframe to count toward matching funds. Donations received through the mail will not count toward the match. The 34-Hour Give will last until 6 p.m. on November 29.

Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated; however, the Foundation’s online platform only accepts donations starting at $10. You can learn more about the 34-Hour Give by visiting FairfieldCountyFoundation.org.

As you know, 4-H provides invaluable opportunities for our county’s youth, allowing them to master projects, develop life skills and experience new opportunities. The Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board was established for the purpose of securing funds to ensure the longevity of the 4-H program in Fairfield County. Your financial support to our endowment funds is needed to secure opportunities for future generations.

Your support in leaving a legacy for Fairfield County 4-H youth is greatly appreciated.

-Heather Wilson

President, Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board

 

Dinner RSVP extended through May 31st – JOIN US, for the 4-H Legacy Dinner

The Home of Joy Farm and the members of the 4-H Endowment Board are excited to host you at the 2023 4-H Legacy Dinner on Thursday, June 8th. The event will be hosted at Home of Joy Farm in Lancaster, Ohio, starting with a social hour and silent auction at 5 p.m., followed by dinner catered by Cheers Chalet at 6 p.m. The program and live auction will commence at 7 p.m.

The RSVP deadline has been extended through May 31st. Event tickets are $75 per person, and table sponsorships that seat eight people are available for $750. Click here to view 2023 Legacy Dinner Invite and 2023 Response Card.

Auction items are rolling in, you will not want to miss out on your chance to take one or more of these items home:

  • Tree donated by Auman Landscape
  • Baked goods donated by Confection Goddess, Sherri Johnson
  • Assortment of Limelife Skincare & Body Products by Dawn Grube
  • Two – 1 lb bags of Fairfield County Homegrown Pecans
  • Two homemade baked goods by Debbie Miller
  • Gardening Basket by Blue Ribbon Showmen 4-H Club
  • Red, white, and blue flag wall hanging/table runner
  • Blackberry coffeecakes by Carol Black
  • Handmade yard ornaments by Joe Koehler
  • 4-H cornhole game by Ruff & Associates CPA’s
  • Homemade pies by 4-H member, Kendall Wild
  • 1/2 processed hog by Bay Food Market
  • 2022 Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions Belt Buckle by Doug Leith, Virgil Strickler, and Angela Krile
  • Movie Night Gift Basket by Fox Family Farms
  • Farm Table by Schultz Valley Farms by Russell’s Lawn Care
  • 4-H Promotional Items by the Fairfield County 4-H Staff
  • Handmade crafts by 7C Scents
  • Basket of jams, jellies, honey and more by the Amanda Work & Win 4-H Club
  • Vet Science/Pet Basket by 2023 Ohio 4-H Achievement Award Winner in Vet Science, Kate Johnson
  • Check back for updates to this list at u.osu.edu/4hlegacy

Our program for the evening will feature four Fairfield County 4-H teens who attended the National 4-H Congress as the 2022 Ohio 4-H Achievement Award winner in their project area. We are excited to hear them share about this experience and all the things they have been a part of here in Fairfield County and beyond! Additionally, 2023 Ohio 4-H Achievement Award winners from Fairfield County are working hard to put a themed basket together for the auction.

Interested in donating an item/items to the auction? Please review the 2023 Legacy Donation Form and include this with your donated item.

Interested in being a sponsor for the event? Click here for more information: 2023 Legacy Sponsor Form

 

Leave a Legacy: Consider a donation or sponsorship of the 2023 4-H Legacy Dinner

The Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board is busy preparing for the 12th Annual 4-H Endowment Dinner scheduled for Thursday, June 8, 2023 at the Home of Joy Farm in Lancaster.  We need your help!!  One of the highlights of the annual fundraising event is the Live and Silent Auction.  If you, your club, or your business/organization would like to help by donating a gift basket or item for the auction, your donation would be most appreciated.

Please contact lcornett11@aol.com or stephanie.mathias@vcnbfamily.bank for more information.

To be a sponsor for this 4-H fundraising event, please see the 2023 Legacy Sponsor Form

To donate items for the silent or live auction, please see the 2023 Legacy Donation Form and include this with your donated item.