Unexpected Part of the Job

Before I started working for the Blue Ribbon Foundation, I had a pretty good idea of what the Communications Manager did. I knew that I would manage the website and social media. I also knew that I would plan the Fairgrounds 5K and the Corndog Kickoff. I had a basic understanding of the giving and membership programs. From my previous experience of working for a nonprofit organization, I know that it is the nature of the job to take on different roles at different times.  Recently, I took on the unique role of bricklayer. (One tasks that I don’t remember reading in the job description.)

The Foundation has the Buy a Brick program. With a donation, Fair-lovers can have a brick engraved and placed on the Fairgrounds. Two weeks ago, I had 56 bricks to place throughout the grounds. Fortunately, Robin is a pro at laying bricks and was gracious enough to show me the ropes. After watching and learning - I had it down. In all honesty, it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be.  Being outside for the afternoon was a nice break from working at my desk.

Although I drive onto the Fairgrounds every day, I am still learning where things are. There are 15 bricks pads on the grounds. Some of the locations are almost full. You can easily tell which bricks have been on the Fairgrounds since the program was started years ago.

Bricks are placed every fall and summer. This coming June, I will load up the back of my car with (hopefully even more) bricks, and a variety of official brick laying tools. It’s really an assortment of random tools that I have no idea what they should actually be used for. My plan is to have the interns help me with this unusual job.

The names and phrases on the bricks, in addition to the people that have donated to the Foundation, are a big part of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The memories that are made during the Fair will forever be remembered with these bricks. I have my own brick that sits on my desk. I have absolutely no doubt that I will make plenty of my own memories while working for the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

Check out more information about the Brick Program and all of the Foundation’s Giving Programs.