Board begins
to near its goal of $350,000
Donations for the new Clarke County Fairground are coming in at an
unprecedented pace to meet a $350,000 challenge grant
from the Dekko Foundation.
Two major contributions have been made by Swine Graphics and the
Herbst family, owners of Terrible's Lakeside Casino.
Each are giving $60,000 with Swine Graphics asking their
donation be designated for construction of a swine barn.
The Clarke County Fair Board has raised $280,000 of the money
necessary to receive the challenge grant.
The fair board has been working for years to raise money and
construct new fairgrounds. The estimated cost of
the total Clarke County Fairgrounds and Events Center
project is $1,172,000. The Fair Association has
raised an astonishing $472,000 for completion of the
cattle barn, sheep barn, show barn, tractor pull site,
mud bog run, access roads, site grading, cattle wash
area, gravel sidewalks, electricity and arena
fencing/staging area.
The Herbst family presented Clarke County Fair board president Mike
Allen with a check for $60,000 to go toward the
fairground project. The surprise presentation was
made at Lakeside.
Fund-raising since April and through the Clarke County Fair in July
generated a lot of interest in the project as the city
and county and area businesses made pledges to the
fairground for the challenge grant. The Lakeside
and Sine Graphics donations have helped the fair board
near its goal. However, organizers say they are
not ready to rest on their laurels.
"We've had great county fairs the past two years plus other events
throughout the summer," said Marcia Pointer, fair board
treasurer. "But as you know the project is not
complete. It will be wonderful to have the 4-H
Exhibit on the fairgrounds for project displays, more
barns to house all the 4-H and FFA livestock projects,
room for commercial exhibits, outside lighting and of
course modern restrooms. This will all become a
reality when we meet Dekko's Challenge by collecting
$350,000 and bringing in Dekko's $350,000 grant.
As a county, we are blessed to have the Dekko Foundation
make this pledge for matching the funds that we raise." |
The Fair Pledging Committee is asking each 4-H/FFA
member to make a family pledge commitment and asking
every grandparent, relative, neighbor and friend to help
us reach our goal. Adding an incentive to this process,
a $1,000 scholarship, The Todd Pontier Memorial College
Scholarship will be awarded to the individual 4-H club
member or FFA member who collects the most money for the
Clarke County Fairgrounds Building Fund.
“Because of Todd’s interest in 4-H and FFA and knowing the
importance of a college degree, Art and I are pleased to
offer the $1,000 memorial scholarship to the 4-H or FFA
youth who raises the most pledges toward our goal of
$350,000,” Pontier said.
Todd Pontier, who was the son of Marcia and Arthur Pontier, died
June 19 in a boating accident.
“Parents of all 4-Hers and FFA students are encouraged to assist
their child in this collection process,” she said.
“Therefore, as a community we must ask everyone we know
to pledge and make their donations, whether large or
small, to the fairgrounds project for our youth and the
whole community.
“4-H and FFA were very important to Todd and our entire family.
Todd joined 4-H as soon as he was old enough. He was an
FFA member throughout high school and was active in both
organizations. Todd volunteered during college summer
break both summers to help build the grounds, get them
ready for the fair and helped with events.
“He enjoyed the new grounds and knew their importance for the youth
and the entire community. Todd also knew the importance
of continuing his education. He spent two years at Iowa
State studying toward a degree in Ag Business.”
The pledges can be made as a one-time donation or in 3 annual
installments. The first year will be collected at the
time of your tax-deductible pledge. The Clarke County
Fair Board is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. The
fundraiser by 4-H members and FFA students will be
completed by Dec. 1, 2005.
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