The Month of Love

February 2, 2016
drewnorton's picture
By Drew Sniezek

With the snow falling and cold temperatures, remind yourself that February is the month of love. Those warm fuzzies can come from boxes of chocolate, a significant other or maybe the Iowa State Fair. Who doesn’t love to day dream about warm August days when you’re bundled from head to toe? At my house, it’s clear to see that love is in the air with the “Save the Date” wedding announcements starting to cover my refrigerator.  

The Blue Ribbon Foundation doesn’t send a “Save the Date” but our winter newsletter should be hitting your mailboxes soon. The newsletter includes an article written by Peter Cownie, the Foundation’s Executive Director, about the successful 2015 Iowa State Fair and future plans for 2016. There are some exciting upgrades that Fairgoers will hopefully be very fond of.

This quarter’s newsletter highlights two (of the many) giving programs - Fan Fair and the Corndog Checkoff. The Foundation shows some love to our supporters in the Champion’s Circle (donors that have given to Our Fair’s Future endowment fund). We include a cumulative list of donors that have supported the Blue Ribbon Foundation since 1993.

Peter says it best: “As donors and volunteers, your support is at the very heart of the Foundation’s success in providing tangible, visible and record results. Combined with outstanding leadership from our staff, we have created a nonprofit that is worthy of your continuing involvement and support. Thank you for your generosity.”

Last but not least, the newsletter includes an article on the Reichardt family for their donation to help preserve the Giant Slide. Can you relate to taking a deep breath and climbing the 105 steps to the top of the 50 foot tall structure on the Iowa State Fairgrounds? Maybe a trip down the Giant Slide is on your Fair to-do list.

This month the entire Blue Ribbon Foundation staff will stay busy. Just to name a few things…Legislative session is in full swing, sponsorship contracts are in the works, promotion of the Corndog Checkoff (remember you can support Fairgrounds' renovations on your taxes), planning for the Corndog Kickoff and much more.

Fairgoers’ passion for the Iowa State Fair is what makes me love my job at the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Keep it up!