Happy New Year!

Let the countdown begin! Tomorrow evening, people all around the world will countdown to the New Year.  Whether you are out on the town or wearing your pajamas on the couch – New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate! I will be hosting my first gathering at the new place. I’m looking forward to ringing in 2015 with friends. Hopefully my guests enjoy my Fair food inspired appetizers.

 

The Blue Ribbon Foundation has so much to be proud of over the past year. Below are a few of the highlights that stuck out in my mind. 

 

January: Hired three (amazing) interns for the summer. Thanks again Stephanie, Paris and Emily for joining our team.

February: With help from volunteers, we sold merchandise at the annual Iowa Beef Expo. 

March: Bid farewell to long time BRF Executive Director, John Putney. (While celebrating his 70th birthday!)

April: Received donations for the Corndog Checkoff from Iowan’s Tax Returns.

May: Started recruiting, organizing and scheduling our 440 summer volunteers.

June: With help from the interns, I placed 126 bricks across the Fairgrounds

July: Held another record breaking Corndog Kickoff with $424,000 raised for future renovations to the Fairgrounds. 

August: Celebrated the Amazingly Amusing Iowa State Fair!

September: Recovered from the Fair and returned to our quiet office of four employees. 

October: We placed another round of bricks across the Fairgrounds.

November: Raised $12,000 during the 8th annual Fairgrounds 5K.

December: Sold and shipped State Fair merchandise for the holidays.

 

The Blue Ribbon Foundation staff was busy year round and will be again during 2015. There is one countdown that is always on my mind… only 225 days until the 2015 Iowa State Fair. There is plenty to do between now and August. The Foundation is grateful for every volunteer and donor that supports our work. We wish only the best to you and your family in 2015!