Four Washington County 4-Hers joined forces recently to donate over $2,500 to the fundraising campaign for a new building to be built at the Washington County Fairgrounds. As their livestock entered the ring at the county fair livestock auction it was announced that they would donate all or part of their proceeds to the Exhibition Hall Building Fund.
Jared, a member of Washington FFA & Limecreek Livewires 4-H club, donated half the proceeds of his champion purchased barrow. Kristen of the Riverside Ramblers 4-H club donated half of her supreme champion market swine check. Zach of the Washington Hustlers 4-H club donated the total proceeds of three market lambs and Mike, Good Luck 4-H club, donated half of the sale price of his reserve champion Charolais steer.
The following businesses supported the 4-Hers in their efforts to raise money for the building campaign by purchasing their livestock: Washington State Bank, Washington State Bank Investment Center, Gretter Ford in Washington and Keota, and English River Pellets.
When asked why he decided to contribute his hard earned money to the building fund, Zach said, “In the end it will end up helping us (4-Hers). I hope someday my kids will be in 4-H. The building will be there for the youth.”
In addition to creating opportunities for 4-H programs in Washington County, this building will provide a valuable family and business resource for the county. Included in the building design are three meeting room areas available to the public for groups ranging in size from 25 to 250 people. The building will also provide much needed improvements in the form of handicapped restrooms and shower facilities. Washington County Extension will be housed in a portion of the upper floor as well as the fair manager’s office.
As Zach says, “It’s going for a good cause.” Donations may be made payable to the Washington County Fair Building Fund and mailed to Hills Bank and Trust in Kalona, P.O. Box 1210, Kalona, IA 52247.
For more information contact the Washington County Extension office at 319-653-4811.
Pictured are 4-H members and members of the Fairgrounds Building Committee.
In the front row from left to right are Jared, Zach, and Mike.
In the back row are Jim Nebel, Mary Nebel, Jarrod Horning, Dave Erwin, Carol Horning, and Kris Moeller. Not pictured is 4-H member Kristen.
*Last names have been withheld for security purposes.