What’s Happening this Fall?

October 21, 2020
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Read the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s fall newsletter to stay up to date. This issue includes a recap of what our organization was able to accomplish this summer. Robin Taylor outlines how we turned lemons into lemonade. “This unique summer has shown us how much we have to appreciate.”

A special shout out to two area businesses that supported the Foundation in unique ways. Community Choice Credit Union donated $5,952.50 to the Blue Ribbon Foundation this summer by selling unique physical distancing Butter Cow shirts. The Aveda Institute Des Moines held a Salon Blue Ribbon Community Fundraising Event in August and donated $1,269 to the Foundation.

The fall newsletter highlights the “No Fair – I Do Care” Benefit Auction and the ongoing “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” Fundraising Campaign. Thank you to the donors that have supported both of these initiatives.

Staff spend the majority of August and September shipping out Iowa State Fair souvenirs! With more than 1000 packages mailed, Fair-lovers all over the country could celebrate their favorite summertime tradition. 2020 ornaments, lapel pins and other collectibles were mailed all across Iowa and 31 other states:

Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, Wisconsin

It's never too early to start some holiday shopping. Check out the online State Fair Store to get the Fairgoer in your life the perfect gift.

The recently renovated Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Building, includes an expansion to the west. The space holds new classrooms and an atrium. More like a piece of art, the new "Spirit of Generosity" donor wall panel is a representation of Iowa, demonstrating how independent pieces come together to create our great state and its Fair. Give a donation to recognize the 4-H’er in your Fair family.

The newsletter also includes information on our upcoming internships, planned giving opportunities and a history on the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s relationship with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Thank you for reading the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s quarterly newsletter.