20... 10... & Now

As we release the summer newsletter, here is a brief flashback to what the Blue Ribbon Foundation was doing 10 and 20 years ago.

The 1997 summer newsletter announced the generous gift of $100,000 from Maytag to be used for improvements to the Family Center then renamed to the “Maytag Family Center”. “Since Maytag produces products that make life easier, simpler and more convenient, programs that enhance family life are one of the major focus areas of our Foundation contributions,” said Leonard A. Hadley, Chairman and CEO of Maytag Corporation at the time of the donation.

Beth Greiner, the assistant director in 1997 shared that the secret weapon to success for the Blue Ribbon Foundation was simply gathering Iowans from all corners of the state and linking their love for the Iowa State Fair. She thanked everyone for the goals they had triumphed in only four short years.

The Corndog Kickoff Benefit prizes were featured in the summer 1997 newsletter as well. The top package prizes were backstage passes to meet Vince Gill, being first in line at the Pork Producers Tent, and riding in the State Fair Parade.

Assistant Director, Robin Taylor, wrote the editorial in 2007. She wrote about the immense amount of meticulous planning that goes into the Iowa State Fair. With master plans come new improvements and renovations including the opening of the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. Expo Hill showcased the new wind turbine donated by MidAmerican Energy and the foods department would move to the Elwell Family Food Center, formerly the Tourism Building.

The $1 million gift from Denny and Candy Elwell of West Des Moines to the Blue Ribbon Foundation transformed the Iowa Tourism Building into the Elwell Family Food Center. CEO and Chairman of the Denny Elwell Company, Denny Elwell said, “Our family is in the fifth generation of fair lovers. As a young child, year after year I have always looked forward to the fair. I enjoyed walking the fairgrounds, seeing it all and especially eating at all my favorite food stands.”

In the 2017 summer newsletter, Meg Courter, the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Sponsorship Director, reflected on her tradition of attending the fair. Included are details about the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Campaign, Corndog Kickoff Patrons, and information about the social painting class to take place at the Fair. New projects include the renovation of the reconstructed midway to the “Thrill Park” and the expansion of the West Plaza.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is successful because of its supporters – the donors, volunteers, and the Iowans that love the State Fair. This 2017 summer newsletter highlights some of those people – Prairie Meadows and the Donor Profile: Dale and Mary Andringa.

Check out the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s summer newsletter. You can also join our E-news mailing list to get the inside scoop on the Blue Ribbon Foundation activities delivered right to your inbox every month.

-Kennedy