(Submitted by Jayne Roth, Extension 4-H Educator)
Wood County 4-H’ers will have a new home to make those delicious county fair treats this summer. As a result of months of planning by local volunteers, the ceremonial ground breaking is in sight…but there is more fundraising to do before this 40’x50’ pole barn structure is paid in full.
As soon as architectural plans are approved by the county, many devoted volunteers, contractors and tradesmen will be working until late July to get the new 4-H Milkshake Barn ready for business. The “barn” will allow more 4-H’ers and families to make milkshakes in an up-to-date kitchen with extra mixers and a freezer on site.
According to Jayne Roth, Extension 4-H Educator, “Annually, the proceeds from milkshake sales provide many more educational opportunities and leadership training than ever before. These dollars send youth to Washington DC for citizenship training, livestock judging teams to national and international competitions, camperships for youth, and financial support for counselors to attend 4-H Camp to name a few. We are in the business of empowering youth, and this building will go a long way to support that purpose. It is projected to raise at least $2 million over its lifespan!”
As the budgets from all the construction committees are being formulated, the local fundraising 501©3 organization, Wood County Clover Legacy Foundation (WCCLF), says there is still ample opportunity for you to help support this project. Board member and president, Steve Arnold, says “We’ve been planning this project for nearly two years, and we’ve had great community support so far. Yet, if you want to give money or in-kind donations, we would love to hear from you.”
This non-profit entity formed in 2016, exists to help 4-H raise money to enhance programming locally. As an affiliate of the Bowling Green Community Foundation, WCCLF can accept cash gifts as well as commodities and stocks, life insurance policies, real estate, tangible personal property, bequests and other forms of giving.
Arnold says, “Don’t feel that we are only looking for large gifts. Contributions in any amount are welcome and will be recognized and posted on the new barn!” Donations at $500 and above will be located in the special “Field of Clovers”. Please contact us at woodcloverlegacy@gmail.com or visit online at www.cloverlegacy.org
Watch our website and Facebook for information about the groundbreaking ceremony on February 24th and to follow the progress of the barn as it transforms into the new home of the famous Wood County 4-H Milkshakes!
