What is the Donor Relations Intern Doing?

I have been interning at the Blue Ribbon Foundation office full-time for two weeks now! When I tell people I work here, they want to know – what do I do as an intern if the Fair isn’t until August? Well, let me fill you in on what I have been working on so far!

A lot of my daily tasks include answering phone calls, greeting visitors that come in the office, and sending emails. Most of my work has involved the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction. I have designed signs, handouts, decorations, and more that will be displayed at the event. I have to admit, I am having a lot of fun with the fairytale theme!

I have worked closely with Kickoff Patrons and I am very excited to see all of them in person when July 9 arrives! Tickets to the Corndog Kickoff will be sold up until the event starts, although many attendees become patrons for the event because they get early admission tickets and a reserved table. If you’re interested in becoming a patron, find more information here! If you are wanting to buy regular tickets, you can do so here!

We have so many amazing auction items that have been delivered to our office, and we will be accepting more for the next couple of weeks! If you have anything to donate, check out our website to learn more or please bring your item to our office by the end of June.

I attended the Corndog Kickoff back in 2014 when Paris Schnepf was in the position I am in now. Believe it or not, I actually met her when my oldest sister, Kelsey Smith (DeWitt), was crowned the 2013 Iowa State Fair Queen. I remember eating so much food and having a wonderful time with my family! Little did I know I would be in Paris’ position several years later helping plan this amazing event! What a small world!

Working towards the Fair has been in full swing as I’ve been working on designing invitations, booking vendors for events, and other tasks to prepare for ten days of food, entertainment, and fun! I am very excited to be out at the Fair every day and have been building up my bucket list of things I want to do. Even in the first few weeks of interning here, I have learned so much about the Fair and all the wonderful stories of why people decide to support the Foundation. All donations are put to good use across the Fairgrounds and we hope to keep this tradition going for many years to come!

- Kenna Smith, Donor Relations Intern