Giving Program Deadline
With the deadline for giving programs fast approaching, I started to think about what personal inscriptions I could write for the Blue Ribbon Foundation staff.
To start, Peter Cownie (Executive Director) enjoys watching the six-horse hitch competition in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. He could have a personalized plaque on the “Block by Block” donor wall inside that building. Robin Taylor’s (Assistant Director) hobbies include gardening and photography. Her creativity could be captured in a “Growing Our Future” plaque, these look like individual leaves along Ruan Plaza. Or a paver in the Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center Courtyard since the photography salon is located on the 3rd floor of that building.
Brooklin Border (Development Manager) grew up participating in 4-H and helps judge at various county fairs, so a block on the “Spirit of Generosity” donor wall inside the 4-H Building would be the perfect fit. Julianna Curtis (Sponsorship Director) is a wonderful baker with cookies being her specialty. A brick with the inscription “JUJU'S COOKIES & YUMS” would look good in front of the Elwell Family Food Center.
As for me, I love it all! The Iowa State Fairgrounds are beautiful. The grounds are a giant park with trees, gardens, and flowers that create such a peaceful setting (outside of Fair time!) I would put my name on a plaque inside the Horner Service Center. These donations help maintain the trees across the Fairgrounds and plant new where needed.
What are your family memories and special places on the Fairgrounds? You can capture these memories when you donate to one of the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s giving programs. Listed are several Giving Programs, providing you the opportunity to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation:
- Block by Block – Add your name to a quilt of individual quilt blocks inside the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center, representing counties across Iowa.
- Buy a Brick – Our most popular giving program! Personalized engraved bricks are placed in 15 different locations throughout the Fairgrounds.
- Courtyard of Celebration – Celebrate the arts with personalized pavers located on the east side of the Patty & Jim Cownie Cultural Center, a tribute to the artistic spirit of the Fair.
- Growing Our Future – This giving program offers individual donor plaques displayed along Ruan Plaza at the heart of the Fairgrounds.
- Legacy Terrace – Honor your connection to the Fair with a granite paver placed outside the Grandstand.
- Shine On – Place a plaque at the base of one of the installed lamp posts along E 31s Street.
- Spirt of Generosity - Located in the west atrium of the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, the “Spirit of Generosity” panel is a representation of Iowa, demonstrating how independent pieces come together to create our great state and its Fair.
- Trees for the Fair – Celebrate with a personalized nameplate on a plaque in the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center or at the base of a tree, with endless inscription possibilities.
When you donate for an engraved brick or plaque, you are investing in the future of the Fairgrounds. Your support helps maintain the grounds and facilities so the next generation can fall in love with the Iowa State Fair.
The deadline to have your brick, paver or plaque in place for the Iowa State Fair is March 31. Start brainstorming your creative inscriptions today.
-Drew Sniezek
