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.

Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board to Host Annual Legacy Dinner June 8, 2023

Event Reservations Due: May 25, 2023 – RSVP deadline extended through May 31st.

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 8, as well as raise funds for the 4-H program. 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.

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

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

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 more than 350 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 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:

  • Platinum: $3,000 (receive 2 dinner tickets)
  • Gold: $1,000 (receive 2 dinner tickets)
  • Silver: $500 (receive 2 dinner tickets)
  • Bronze: $250

For more information on what’s included in sponsorship levels, contact:
Heather Wilson, Board President at Heather.wilson.2011@gmail.com.

Click here to view 2023 Legacy Dinner Invite and 2023 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 2023 event is to be held at Home of Joy Farm located at 3315 Lake Rd NE, Lancaster, OH 43130. Reservations and payment should be mailed to: Fairfield County 4-H Endowment, c/o Ron Ruff, 2700 Kull Road, 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 fairfield.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/endowment 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. 29th and 30th)

The holidays will be here soon and we know many may be preparing for #GivingTuesday. We are fortunate to work with the Fairfield County Foundation during their 33 hour give once again this year. This is a time where the community is invited to support the organizations they choose. We are gracious for any support our 4-H family and friends contribute to the long-term fundraising efforts and sustainability of the Fairfield County 4-H Program.

If you’d like to make a #GivingTuesday donation to support Fairfield County 4-H, we invite you to drop off your donation at the Fairfield Foundation beginning at 8:00 a.m. on November 29th through 5:00 p.m. on November 30th or you can make donations online.

A few things to note:

  • Support the Fairfield County 4-H Program by donating to this fund: 4-H Fairfield County Foundation Fund
  • Donations must be made online at www.fairfieldcountyfoundation.org through the Donate Now link or in person at the Fairfield County Foundation office, during the specified date and time.
  • Donations received through the mail will not count toward the match.  
  • At least $33,000 in matching gifts will be awarded. All donations received during the 33-Hour Give will be eligible for matching funds on a pro rata basis, which gives everyone who participates the opportunity to have their donations increased.

Matching gifts will be distributed based on the percentage each fund receives of the total contributions made during the 33-Hour Give. No single gift, by an individual, to a single organization, can receive more than 20% of the total match amount. For example, a fund with donations that account for 5% of the total 33-Hour Give contributions would receive 5% of the $33,000 in matching funds, or $1,650.

Questions? Contact 4-H Educator, Leslie Cooksey at cooksey.25@osu.edu or 740-653-5419.

Thank you for supporting the Fairfield County 4-H Program!

THANK YOU for supporting the 2022 4-H Legacy Dinner!

On behalf of the 4-H Endowment Board, thank you to all 4-H alumni, parents, and donors who helped make the 2022 4-H Legacy Dinner possible! With over 175 individuals in attendance, we enjoyed fellowship and shared continue support of one of Ohio’s largest 4-H programs in the state. Over $9200 was raised that evening of the even to support the Fairfield County 4-H Endowments.

Were you unable to attend but wish to support the 4-H Endowment Funds? Contact Leslie Cooksey at cooksey.25@osu.edu to discuss options. We recognize that this year’s dinner looked a bit different compared to our last dinner in 2019 – feel free to send any feedback for future 4-H fundraising events to Leslie as well and she will share this with the 4-H Endowment Board as they make future decisions.

Thanks again to our live auction donors:

  • Buckeye Ready Mix donated ten yards of concrete.
  • Four (4) 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Tickets, being held on Monday, December 5 in the Thomas and Mack Arena on the campus of UNLV in Las Vegas. These tickets are the generous donation of the Michael Family.
  • Again this year Auman Landscape donated TWO 6-7 foot trees.
  • Back, yet again, by popular demand . . . Lancaster’s oldest independent grocery – Bay Food Market along with Bay Packing donated half a processed hog, times 2 of them!
  • McGuire’s Distinctive Truck and Ruff & Associates donated a Husqvarna leaf blower and pressure washer.
  • OSU football tickets with parking pass has been donated by Buckeye Ready Mix.

Additionally, we were excited to feature a few of our 4-H members who have taken 4-H projects where they have mastered various talents and creativity. Items donated by Fairfield County 4-H members:

  • 4-H member, Kendall Wild, donated two homemade pies with cinnamon minis!
  • 4-H’er Destiny McCray painted two beautiful art pieces representing 4-H including a bald eagle and a peacock.

Photos from the event have been shared on the Ohio State-Fairfield County 4-H Facebook Page

Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board to Host Annual Legacy Dinner June 9, 2022

Event Reservations Due May 25, 2022

LANCASTER, Ohio – 4-H supporters can enjoy a night out to at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds on June 9. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner catered by Bob’s Backyard BBQ at 6 p.m. The program and live auction will commence at 7 p.m.

Event tickets are $50 per person, and table sponsorships that seat eight are available for $500.

“I was a 4-H member in Fairfield County for 10 years,” said Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board President Heather Wilson. “As an alum, I want to see the program continue to grow and support our youth. It’s been amazing to see local businesses, community members and 4-H families generously support the endowment throughout the last decade. We’re excited to be bringing the community together again to support this mission and allow attendees to enjoy a night of fun and socialization.”

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 more than 350 attendees supporting the youth in the Fairfield County 4-H program. The goal of the board is to generate funds sufficient to endow at 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 2200 youth each year through traditional club and school enrichment programming,” said Fairfield County 4-H Extension Educator Leslie Cooksey. “Leaving a legacy is what the endowment is intended to do. Whether you’re a local business, 4-H family or community member, we’d love for you to join us and support the future of the program in our county.”

Additional sponsorships are available for the Legacy Dinner as follows:

  • Platinum: $3,000 (two sponsorships available) – Receive two dinner tickets
  • Gold: $1,000 (five sponsorships available) – Receive two dinner tickets
  • Silver: $500 – Receive two dinner tickets
  • Bronze: $250

Sponsorship and reservation forms can be found on u.osu.edu/4hlegacy. 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)

The event is held at Ed Sands/Farm Bureau Building located at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds: 157 East Fair Avenue, Lancaster, OH 43130. Reservations and payment should be mailed to: Fairfield County 4-H Endowment, P.O. Box 564, Lancaster, Ohio 43130

To subscribe to updates, visit the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment blog at u.osu.edu/4hlegacy and follow the event on Facebook at facebook.com/events/1866721206856119

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 is comprised 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 fairfield.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/endowment 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 2200 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.

What is the 31 Hour Give in Fairfield County? Can I donate to 4-H?

Dear Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Supporters,

Have you heard of #GivingTuesday? It’s kind of like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, only better! #GivingTuesday is a nationwide movement to raise awareness of community philanthropy and encourage spending with a purpose. In Fairfield County, we celebrate #GivingTuesday with the 31-Hour Give through the Fairfield County Foundation. If charitable giving is part of your year-end tradition, please consider supporting Fairfield County 4-H Endowment during the 31-Hour Give starting at 8am on Dec. 1. Visit www.fairfieldcountyfoundation.org to learn more and donate online.

Your donation will help to continue to” Leave a Legacy”  for future generations of 4-H youth in Fairfield County to have the same great memories, like 4-H club meetings, summer camps at Tar Hollow and the Fairfield County Fair, we have all shared in the past.  For more details, or ways to become involved with the efforts of the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Committee, please reach out to any of our Board members.  Your generosity and support are very much appreciated.

 

 

 

No ‘Fun Flippin’ Pancake Breakfast at County Fair this Year…

Following directives from Governor DeWine’s Order, the State and Local Health Department and the Fairfield County Senior Fairboard recommendations, the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Committee’s Pancake Breakfast at the 2020 Fairfield County Fair was cancelled.  This event has always been used as an fun awareness event for the Endowment Committee to welcome visitors to our County Fair.

With so many events being cancelled in 2020, the 4-H Endowment Committee was also forced to cancel their  major fund-raising event in June  “The Legacy Dinner.”     Thanks to the generosity of the local donors we were able to raise enough money to pay the $5.00 County Wide dues for over 940 youth involved in 4-H work in 2020. While this year has been anything but normal for all of us, one thing remains constant…Leaving a Legacy for Fairfield County youth to benefit from lessons learned in 4-H Clubs, Committees and Competitions is important to the success of today’s young people who chose to involved in 4-H project work!!   We sincerely thank you for your support!

The Power of a Thank You Note….

In today’s climate of “masks or no masks” it is often difficult to share a simple smile. So, when is the last time you picked up a pen and paper and wrote a note of thanks to someone who made your day a little brighter and a little better?

The Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board is just like every other group who has cancelled their one and only major fund raiser in 2020, but still knew there was just a little something more they could do. With a lot of faith in community, we announced the cancellation of the 11th Annual Endowment Dinner. We then asked the community to help us help each of the 1,000 4-H youth in Fairfield County pay of their County 4-H dues. Did the community step up..they sure did!! The $5,000 dollars needed was raised and we even have a good start on dues for 2021. But the investment was not just about County 4-H dues, it was all about teaching our young people the importance of a simple thank you.

If you will recall, at the 2019 Fairfield County Fair, the Thank You Note Project was a major display in the AgMazing Agriculture building. Knowing the dedication of our 4-H families, we hoped the ability write a note to say thanks might catch on. And it did, over 300 thank you notes were written to sponsors of awards, mentors, teachers and even buyers at the livestock auction. The Endowment Committee paid the postage for all of those thank you notes sent in 2019 and plan to do the same in 2020.

It remains to be seen what the Thank You Note Project might look like at the 2020 Fair. But the simple gesture of saying “Thank You” should never get lost, even during a pandemic. We are so proud of our 4-H youth and the Wild About Animals 4-H club for believing in the power of a Thank You Note.

Community Generosity = County 4-H Dues Paid for all 4-H Club members!!

The Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board would like to thank all of our donors for your generous support of their effort to pay for County 4-H dues for the youth enrolled in the Fairfield County 4-H Program in 2020.  We have reached our goal and are well on our way to paying for the 2021 dues too.  The enthusiasm and support for this one-time “give back” to 4-H members was amazing.  We simply cannot say thank you enough for your generosity.

So, here is a little perspective of how those dues dollars have been used:

  • Several of you chose to invest in our long term goal of empowering youth for many years to come thru your contributions made to the Fairfield County Foundation 4-H Endowment Fund and the Fairfield County 4-H Ohio State University Fund. Thank you for helping to Leave a Legacy for future generations!!
  • There were 103 youth enrolled in a virtual 4-H Camp in June, you helped to purchase a few of the supplies for their virtual camp experience.
  • Your dollars helped to sponsor 4-H Family Guides for every one of the families enrolled in the Fairfield County 4-H Program.
  • In addition, monies for County Dues also provided flag sets to all new County 4-H Clubs, and judges for all the Summer Judging that will be happening in the middle of July.

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact any one of the Endowment Board members.  Or, if you would like to make a donation, simply send a check to the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment at PO Box 564, Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

Again, the support for our one time giving initiative during COVID 19 Pandemic was outstanding!  We sincerely thank you for believing in the Fairfield County 4-H program and the 1,000 youth it serves.

 

The 4-H Legacy Dinner; In spirit only this year

This evening, on the eve of what could have and should have been the 11th Annual Fairfield County 4-H Endowment’s Legacy Dinner most of us are at home eating what Dennis the Menace calls “groceries again!” Everyone on the Endowment Board and our 300 guests always look forward to sharing this fun evening of good food and good friends to raise funds to continue the legacy and tradition of the 4-H Program.

This year it is different, there is no Legacy Dinner due to COVID-19 and the Endowment Board decided in mid-April to cancel the Dinner. The Board knew there was absolutely no way to adequately have social distancing measures in place. But over the year’s what fun we have had!!!

In 2020, due to the pandemic the Endowment Board met virtually and decided a new initiative was in order. A one-time ask for donations to help cover the cost of County-Wide Dues for every member of the Fairfield County 4-H program. Our goal was $5,000.00 for 1,000 youth in the 4-H program. Today, on the eve of what would have been the June 11, 2020 Legacy Dinner we have not only reached but exceeded the goal!! Thank you to all of those who have donated to help us reach the goal of paying 4-H dues for our 4-H youth. Thank you for believing what every member of the Endowment Board believes..in the end, it is really all about the kids!!

If you would like to donate, the donations received in excessive of the $5,000 amount needed will be used for County Wide Dues for 4-H Clubs in 2021. You can send your donation directly: Fairfield County 4-H Endowment  P.O. Box 564, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 or contact any of our Board members for more information.