21 Years

The Blue Ribbon Foundation was started in 1993 with a mission to renovate and preserve the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The initial goal was to raise $6 million in two years and $30 million in ten years. With one individual’s leadership, the Blue Ribbon Foundation reached, and surpassed this goal. In 20 years, over $100 million has been raised thanks to the man behind the Foundation, John Putney. 

 

John’s belief was to show donors and Fairgoers that the Blue Ribbon Foundation would always do more than was expected. Next week will be John’s last as the Executive Director before his retirement.  I thought it would be nice to highlight some of John’s accomplishments over the last 21 years.

 

The first project included construction of the Service Center with a major gift from Firstar. Other major gifts and programs sparked projects around the grounds. Today more than 20 buildings have been constructed or renovated because of the Foundation’s efforts. 

 

 

Every year during the State Fair, John hosted Iowa’s Senators and Representative for Legislative Day. John was involved in starting the Iowan of the Day program in 1997. The Foundation continues to receive the proceeds from the Woodcarver’s Auction on the last Sunday of the Fair. Merchandise sales began in 1993 in a small tent along Grand Avenue. By 2013, there were seven locations selling souvenirs and one selling Fair Squares. Together, merchandise, water and Fair Squares contribute over $500,000 annually to the Foundations fundraising efforts. 

 

With John’s innovative thinking behind the development of the giving programs, Iowans have been able to support the Foundation with bricks, benches, lamp posts, plaques and trees. Membership programs, like the 1854 Society, Concert Club, Jake’s Club and Fan Fair have also continued to be popular. 

 

The first Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing party was held in Pioneer Hall in July 1997. In 2001, the event was moved to a Saturday night and held in the Agriculture Building. The Varied Industries Building has now hosted the event since 2002. Initially the Kickoff took up 1/3 of the VI Building but grew to encompass more than ¾ of the building in 2013. The first Kickoff had an attendance of 400; 2013 saw nearly 1700. In 1997, the event raised $112,000. For 2013, funds raised totaled $346,000. 

 

There have always been ways for Fair-lovers to be involved  outside of the Fair. The Foundation hosted a Golf Outing from 1997 -2009 and held its first Fairgrounds 5K in 2007. 

 

Although my time working with John has been brief, I still feel incredibly  fortunate to have worked with such a passionate representative of the Iowa State Fair. I think the 14 full time staff, 52 interns and countless Fair employees who have worked for the Foundation under John’s leadership would agree. Thank you John for your hard work and dedication to the Iowa State Fair.