By Bradford Sherman

OSU Extension - Jackson County

Through the generosity of donors, buyers and attendees of the annual Friends of 4-H Fundraiser, as well as the tireless work of committee members and volunteers — the Jackson County 4-H Youth Development Program can continue its mission of enriching the lives of local young people.

More than 200 people attended the event, which included a dinner, games, silent and live auctions, held Saturday night at the Elizabeth L. Evans Outdoor Education Center owned and operated by Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp. More than $20,000 was raised by the committee, and those proceeds will be used to support Jackson County 4-H the more than 3,000 youth that are involved through club, school and community programs.

“The 4-H youth of Jackson County are so blessed to have the support of our community,” explained event chair Lissa Warrens. “Without their support, 4-H would cease to exist.”

Money raised during the event will be used toward fulfilling the county portion required for state and federal funding matches in order to maintain local 4-H activities; this money has been raised through fundraising for the past several years through the hard work of volunteers, parents and community members.

“This was an incredible night for the Jackson County 4-H program; words cannot express how proud I am of our community,” said Erin Dailey, 4-H Extension Educator and Jackson County Director. “A special thanks to our chairperson, Lissa Warrens, for her leadership chairing this event for the last four years.”

This past year, Jackson County 4-H involved 615 members through 36 community clubs. Through these experiences, youth learned leadership, citizenship and life skills, as well as specific subject matter knowledge through more than 200 different 4-H projects.

“A healthy community shows in the heart of its youth. Thank you for being the head, heart, hands and health of 4-H in our community,” said Abby Wood, one of several 4-H members to speak during the event about the important role the organization plays in their lives.

Overall, the Jackson County 4-H program reached more than 3,000 youth through school, club and community programs over the past year.

“This event was a collaboration on so many levels and was truly a grass-roots effort —  from our wonderful committee that worked diligently for months, to the 4-H clubs that put together wonderful auction items,” added Dailey. “On behalf of countless youth and families in our community that have been impacted by 4-H … thank you!”

AUCTIONS

The exciting evening was highlighted by a live auction, conducted by Seth Michael, in which items like baskets made by local 4-H clubs and Ohio State Buckeye memorabilia, helped bring in over $6,000 alone. Some of the most popular items amongst bidders included a Military Basket donated by the Franklin Guys and Gals 4-H Club and an Ohio State-themed Tailgate Set from the Barnyard Rascals 4-H Club.

The Franklin Guys and Gals’ Military Basket was a unique idea the club came up with, for supporting both 4-H and military troops; it was purchased by Aaron Fannin for $625.

The basket contained a variety of patriotic signs, candles, blankets, clothing and more. Highlighting the basket’s contents was a photo frame containing a picture of the 1191st Engineer Company Ohio Army National Guard, for which several Jackson County residents served, as well as an American Flag that was flown during missions in Afghanistan.

Club members also gathered 10-15 comfort items (such as playing cards, batteries, books, paper, pencils and more) each and will send those to troops in the 1194th, which was just deployed and will be stationed in Kuwait. For purchasing the basket, the supplies will be sent in the name of Aaron Fannin as well as the Franklin Guys and Gals 4-H Club.

The tailgate set included a full-size grill, griddle, tailgating tent, coolers, Buckeye gear and much more. It was purchased by Ronnie Osborne of Osborne Scrap for $460. In all, there were nearly 100 items made available through live and silent auction, with more than 70 businesses, individuals and organizations contributing.

Contributing items for either the live or silent auction, or door prizes given away at the event were: #1 Buckeye Lawn & Landscapes; AL Terry Jewelers; Angie Eisnaugle; Animal House 4-H Club; Anna’s Deer Processing; Armed & Ready; Barn Bunch 4-H Club; Barnyard Rascals 4-H Club; Baron Arms LLC; Becky Haynes; Bloomfield All-Stars 4-H Club; Brian Moore, Candidate for Jackson City School Board; Charlotte and Larry Johnson; Chick-A-Bee Farms, The Gentry Family; Country Cardinals 4-H Club/Geri Newsom; Country Classics 4-H Club; Country Critters 4-H Club; Country Superstars 4-H Club; Cross & Sons Farm Equipment; Deel Club Pigs; Dreamcatchers 4-H Club; Elizabeth’s Flowers; Elsie Rouse; Employees of Jackson County EMS; Erin, Jason, Brady & Addyson Dailey; Franklin Guys and Gals 4-H Club; Forward Thinkers 4-H Club; Four Mile Bakery; Fred and Mary Deel; Friends of 4-H; Gilliland Law Offices. Kyle & Dana Gilliland; Greg & Kelly Molihan; Hayseeds 4-H Club; Highlanders 4-H Club; Howard Metal Works; Jackson Cavalier Roller Rink; Jackson County Agricultural Society; Jackson County Emergency Medical Services; Jackson County Livestock 4-H Club; Jackson Flowers & Gifts; Jerry's Do-It Center; Jerry's Jamestown Market; Jill Fischer/Pretty By Jilly620;Katie Perkins; Larry & Anita Harris; Lewis Family Turkey Farms; Lissa Warrens; Marilyn Beatty; Mark Leonard, Rising Creek Farm; McWilliams Funeral Home; Michelle Kight, Avon Representative; Outbackers 4-H Club; Pat McDonald, Candidate for Jackson City School Board; Patty Wolford; Paul & Teresa Bierhup; Payne Poly Furniture; Pine Bank Boer Goats; Printex; Randy Evans, Jackson City School Board Member; Ridge Runners 4-H Club; Service Central, LLC/Angeleah and Noah Hill; Southern Ohio Arms-Brandon Witt; Tammy Roush; The Feed Stop; The Tea Caddy; The Trend Blend; Too Hot To Trot 4-H Club; Totally Awesome Kids 4-H Club; Turn 'N' Burn 4-H Club; Wal-Mart of Jackson; Williams Fuel Stop; and Young Pioneers 4-H Club.

The list of those who took part in the exciting live auction, as buyers, included: Aaron and Rae Anne Fannin, Cross & Sons, David Kisor, David Smith, Doug Hayburn, Doug Rose, Ed Armstrong, Frazier Farms, Jason and Erin Dailey, Joe Wyant, Jon Hensler for County Commissioner, Jackson Co. Prosecuting Attorney Justin Lovett, Leon Bunnell, Mark Leonard, Mark Porter Autoplex/Theresa & Mark Porter, Mary Riegel, Pat McDonald, Randy Evans, Rocky Peck, Ronnie Osborne, and Tim Wheatley.

Those who supported the event by purchasing items in the silent auction were Brian Holbrook, Cole Callahan, Debbie Fulk, Jerry Post, Jill Fischer, Joe Wyant, Kathi Wilson, Katy Powers, Kelly Post, Kristen Shoemaker, Kristin Butts, Lonna Hutchinson, Makayla Wyant, Marilyn Shaw, Mark Leonard, Mark Porter, Marlana Evans, Mary Riegel, Mary Taylor, Pam Johnson, Pat Friend, Pat McDonald, Phyllis Rose, Randy Evans, Rocky Peck, Rose Walters, Sandy Holbrook, Tami Wyant, Theresa Porter, Thomas Dingus, Tim Wheatley, Vickie Osborne, and Wanda Cross.

GUNS

Easily one of the most popular aspects of the Friends of 4-H Fundraiser is the amount and quality of guns made available either through games, or auction. There was more than $4,000 worth of guns at the event. All winners completed the appropriate background check and paperwork before the guns were awarded; Mike and Tammy French of Mike’s Gun Shop were present to provide the service onsite.

Businesses and individuals sponsoring guns were Bellisio, Chris Fisher & Sons, Dick’s Carryout, Gary’s Body Shop, Jackson County Jr. Fair Livestock Committee, Jackson County 4-H Advisory Council, R & A Erwin Trucking/AJM Transport, S. Parker LLC Excavating, Shawn and Melissa Sexton, and Shoemakers of Minford.

Well-known automotive dealer Mark Porter, who operates lots in both Athens and Pomeroy, won the big prize of the night as his name was drawn as the winner of the coveted Henry Big Boy 357, which was worth around $700. Some of the guns won by others included a Savage 11 30-06 Rifle, Smith & Wesson 642 Lady Smith 38, Mossberg 500 Combo Camo 20 Gauge , Glock 42 380 Auto, and more.