Winter Newsletter: 2024, 2014 and 2004

The Blue Ribbon Foundation traditionally starts our year by thanking donors. It’s our goal to thank supporters throughout the year but we take pride in flipping the calendar and recognizing what our organization is most grateful for – you!

Listed in each Winter Newsletter is the Roll of Donors. All gifts of any size are important to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Each dollar donated has factored into our accomplishments over time. This list includes donations made to our general renovation fund as well as contributions to our endowment since 1993.

Making an appearance in each of the newsletters is also information about the Corndog Tax Checkoff. The program provides an easy way to contribute through a tax-deductible donation on your Iowa return. When completing your taxes, look for “State Fair” on Line 21 on Iowa Form 1040.

What’s new with the Blue Ribbon Foundation as we start 2024?

• Thank you to the donors that are supporting the Back the Barns campaign and raising funds for the future of the Iowa State Fair Livestock Barns.
• The Blue Ribbon Foundation is once again looking for 100 donors who want to make an immediate, positive and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds by tackling a smaller renovation project. This year, we are shining the spotlight on Ye Old Mill. Money raised from the 2024 T.A.G. Team will be used to make improvements on the beloved “Tunnel of Love” ride.
• Donor Profile – Broken Arrow Wear: Broken Arrow designs and produces the official Iowa State Fair T-Shirts sold in our souvenir booths. They were responsible for the creative “Butter Cow Security” shirts from 2013. Broken Arrow has supported the Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction as a patron of the event and by printing the bandanas used in the Rags to Riches game.

So, what was happening 10 years ago?

• In 2014, John Putney was retiring after 21 years as the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s original Executive Director.
• The 7th annual Fairgrounds’ 5K was a success raising $6,000. All ages enjoyed the 5K run and 1 mile walk around the Fairgrounds. 
• Membership in the “Champion’s Circle” was continuing to grow. These donors have supported the Foundation with a gift to our endowment fund. 
• Donor Profile – Crystal Clear Water: Thom Heiken was the president of Crystal Clear Water. Personally, he loves the Iowa State Fair. Since 1997, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has partnered with Crystal Clear to sell bottled water during the Fair.  Crystal Clear also donates the water served at the Corndog Kickoff. 

And what was happening 20 years ago?

• In 2004, the Fair was gearing up to celebrate 150 years, it’s sesquicentennial! It was fun to remember the past with historical displays and look forward to the next hundred years of tradition and thanks to the Foundation, preservation and many improvements. 
• It was almost time to have your engraved bricks ordered to have them in place in August. The number of personalized bricks on the Fairgrounds only continues to grow year after year.
• Donor Profile – Richard O. Jacobson: Mr. Jacobson donated $300,000 for the creation of the museum complex. The museum was the perfect way to preserve the Fair’s past for future generations. 

Programs have developed, new projects have advanced and things have changed over the years. Nevertheless, the loyalty of Blue Ribbon Foundation donors continues to grow. Thank you for your support!