Show your love!

It's a snowy day on the Fairgrounds today, and it's hard to believe that in just 6 short months, this place will be bustling with people enjoying the food, entertainment, and atmosphere of the Iowa State Fair.

There's a lot to do before then, and we are in full gear here already planning for the Corn Dog Kickoff, 2012 merchandise, and everything else that will take place in the next 24 weeks.

A project that I have been working hard on lately is the Corndog Checkoff. Before working for the Blue Ribbon Foundation, I didn't know a lot about the program and what a great opportunity it is for Iowa residents to make a huge difference for the Fair. By simply checking line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 and line 14 of 1040A, a portion of my return will go straight to the Blue Ribbon Foundation to be used for renovation on the Fairgrounds. It doesn't even have to be a large amount of my return, either. The minimum amount you're able to checkoff is $1. I have at least that much in change at the bottom of my purse right now! The average gift is $16 (less than what it would cost my fiance and I to go out to dinner), but when you combine that amount with everyone else that gives, it turns out to be a GREAT fundraising effort for the Foundation. In it's 18th year, the Corndog Checkoff has raised nearly $1.6 million!

So I encourage you to keep the Corndog Checkoff in mind as your filing your tax return in the next month or so. Remember, it only takes $1 to make a huge difference!