Welcome to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s blog!
We are a non-profit organization with a mission to raise funds for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Since our inception in 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $200 million through individual contributions, state appropriations, in-kind services, and corporate, federal and state grants.
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Hi everyone!
It’s time to introduce myself, Molly Schmitt, as the donor relations intern for the summer. This is my first week in the office and I already feel at home. The fairgrounds have been bustling all week as everyone prepared for the World Pork Expo, which began yesterday and runs until Friday. Our office does not work a lot on this event, but we did take some time to go look around and see what the National Pork Board and Iowa Pork Producers have put together to attract thousands of people from all over the world. We even had free ribs and pork burgers yesterday for lunch, so naturally we can’t complain!
I have a variety of duties as the donor relations intern, but I do promote our donor programs, which are vast and definitely worth checking out. I have spent the past few days sorting all kinds of concert tickets for Peter, our executive director. Seriously, I have never used so many paperclips and rubber bands in my life! I am also creating the media kit for the Corndog Kickoff, so I have started some design work and press releases to write for that packet. During the Fair, I will be in charge of a lot of events that take place in our hospitality tent like Legislative Day. I’m hoping to start working on invites and planning for Legislative Day yet this week.
So, a little background on yours truly, I am going to be a junior at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa this fall (and yes, that is where Mumford and Sons will be having their Gentleman of the Road Tour next weekend). I am a public relations/organizational and multimedia double major with a leadership minor and am extremely active on campus. I grew up on my parents’ (Steve and Connie Schmitt) dairy farm located near Hawkeye, IA, which is way up in the northeast corner of our lovely state. I grew up with my two older sisters, Emily and Amy, and my older brother, Lucas. We milk about 280 grade Holstein cattle and raise all of our steers for market on our family farm. We also crop farm about 900 acres in alfalfa, rye and corn.
I grew up showing dairy, beef, horses, dogs, sheep, poultry and non-livestock at the Fayette County Fair in West Union, IA through 4-H and FFA. I also did presentations, volunteered, competed in dairy judging contests and exhibited non-livestock at the Iowa State Fair. I am growing more and more excited every day for the 2015 Iowa State Fair, and cannot wait to gain a new perspective on our great Fair!
I guess that’s about it for now, as I have to get going on my exciting (but massive) to do list. Have a great day and I’ll be sure to check in again next week!
-Molly
Just a few of the tickets I have sorted through this past week.
Here are my siblings and I (from left to right: Amy, Molly (me), Emily, Lucas).
Showing one of my registered Holstein heifers at the Fayette County Fair.
In 2013, I brought a carload of friends to the state fair for a day because they had never been here. I know, how crazy is that?! Needless to say, they loved it and continue to visit. My cousin, Belle, is on the left and is the current American Honey Queen, so she will also be at the Fair this year giving presentations!
Hello all!
By this point, it’s pretty obvious that the Corndog Kickoff is something to look forward to each year. I don’t know if I can emphasis that point any more than I already have. But that’s definitely not going to stop me from trying to push my point even farther.
It probably helps that I work in the place where this is all coming together. That means the other interns and I have been getting to see auction items, proof read the program and auction booklet and help think up ways to connect items for baskets. Basically, we have an all-access pass to all (well, most) things Corndog Kickoff. And because I want people to know how great the event is going to be, I get to share a couple previews with everyone.
There are a lot of really cool items available for both live and silent auction. One of my favorites is actually several different items. Karen Brockelsby created tons of Iowa State Fair themed pillows. No matter your favorite part of the Fair, you can find a pillow that would perfectly accentuate your interests. Love camping in your RV? There’s a pillow for that. (Pictured below). Dreaming of working Butter Cow security? There’s a pillow for that too. Did you notice last year’s Fairground banners and wish you could have taken them home with you? I have just the pillow for you, or rather I have three.
What’s even better is that these items are often mixed in with bigger packages. You get an original, one of a kind pillow to commemorate your love of the Fair and other great items to go right along with it. Make sure to come support the Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Iowa State Fair at the Corndog Kickoff and bid on all your favorite pillows. Try to find them all!
Have a great day,
Anna
Hi y’all! I hope everyone had a good weekend and is ready for this week! Last week was pretty busy for me (hence why I didn’t get this posted last week). I was busy scheduling volunteers and working on some other small projects. So, here’s another push, if you are at all interested in volunteering please contact me at maggie@blueribbonfoundation.org or call (515) 262-3111 ext. 379. We would love to have your help and it’s a great way to give back to the Foundation and our beloved, Iowa State Fair!
Another way to give back would be donating! One way you can do that would be with Birdies for Charity. This program is designed to give participants an opportunity to generate funds based on the number of “birdies” made by Champions Tour players during the the Principal Charity Classic. We would receive 100% of every donation collected and receive a 10% match, for reaching $1,000 in pledges. I know Anna already mentioned this, but just needed one final push before the big event which starts tomorrow, June 2, and goes until June 7, 2015.
So go onto the Birdies for Charity website to donate to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. This wonderful charity tradition is a great way to ensure that the tradition of the Iowa State Fair can live on forever! That’s all I have for now, but I’ll be back soon! Enjoy your week!
Maggie J.
Request a volunteer registration form today!
Hello all!
Seems like this week just started and it’s almost over already! I hope everyone had a good, long weekend last week. I know I did.
There’s been a lot going on lately in our office. Lots of sweet treats have come through, including some possible Fair Square flavors. I’d love to tell you more about that, but I’ll keep it a secret. Besides, I’m not even sure which one will be featured at the Fair. I will let you in on one fact. All the options were delicious.
While I’ve never actually had a Fair Square at the Iowa State Fair, it’s something I’m definitely looking forward to this year. Actually, I’m looking forward to Fair Food in general. In past years, I’ve refrained from most of the treats here on the Fairgrounds. Now that I work here for the summer though, it’s like I have to try more. (Personally, I’m finally going to try those deep fried Oreos I’ve been so curious about). Can’t believe we still have to wait 76 more days until the Fair starts!
If you just can’t wait for the Fair to get your fix, I have a solution for you. Our annual Corndog Kickoff is coming up July 11. It's a fundraiser for the Blue Ribbon Foundation and, from what I hear, a great time! Not only are we having a live and silent auction, SKyGlider rides and fireworks that night, there will also be Fair Food favorites out for grazing. Tickets are available online or by calling us here at the Foundation at 515.262.3111 ext. 371. They’re 75 dollars per person until June 30. After that, they’ll be 100 dollars. Tickets include complimentary photo, food and drink, fireworks, SkyGlider rides and more!
Don’t wait too long! We hope to see you there. I, for one, am looking forward to grabbing a corndog then.
-Anna
Last year's Corndog Kickoff.
Hi ya’ll! I hope everyone has had a good week, I know I sure have. It’s my second week as the Volunteer Relations Intern here at the Blue Ribbon Foundation. On Monday I got a super large mailing done full of letters and registration forms to potential volunteers. And today (Friday) the registration form went up online. So, if you’re interested in being a volunteer and haven’t received a letter in the mail, go ahead and sign up online!
As for the rest of my week, it’s been pretty quiet. I’ve just been working on a few projects to get ready for the volunteer reception and some merchandise items. I don’t want to give anything away, but it looks like I have some baking ahead of me this weekend, hehe.
Speaking of the weekend, I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day and takes time to remember those who gave their lives to protect this great country of ours and ensure our freedom. You can also take time to remember those individuals during the Veterans Day Parade at the Iowa State Fair as well.
Well, that’s all I have for now. I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday and I’ll be back soon!
Maggie J.
Hello there,
Now that school’s out, things are picking up here! Today I’m finishing up my media kit for Iowan of the Day. In it, I included information about the Blue Ribbon Foundation, the Iowan of the Day program, past winners and more. This was another project that I got to take a leading role in. It’s rewarding to see it all come together. I’m really proud of how it turned out. The theme of the program this year is ‘Planting the seeds for great communities’. I’ve already had a few nominations come across my desk and through my email. I’m excited to dig in and read those as well as what’s to come.
Something else I’ve been doing since I’ve come to the Foundation is learning about the different ways people can get involved. Since Maggie started, I’ve heard about volunteer opportunities like Corndog Kickoff or taking shifts during the Fair. I’ve also heard a lot about our giving programs. Last week I talked about a new partnership with Birdies for Charity. This week, I want to highlight AmazonSmile. This is a partnership between Amazon and various non-profits. If you log on with AmazonSmile, .5% of eligible purchase prices to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. All you have to do to give is log on through the link I provided earlier and start shopping. So, if you’re a serial online shopper like me, this is a great opportunity to give to the Foundation. It’s really easy and it could do a lot of good. Even better, you can justify treating yourself to something special if you just remember that part of that money you’re already spending is going to a nonprofit. Or maybe it’s just me that needs excuses like that. Either way, next time you’re browsing Amazon, keep us in mind!
Look out soon for another update from Maggie.
-Anna
Here's my media kit that I'm so proud of!
Hi y’all! My name is Maggie Jennett and I am the Volunteer Relations Intern for the Blue Ribbon Foundation this summer! My main project for the summer is organizing and coordinating all the volunteers for the Blue Ribbon Foundation. So…if you are thinking about volunteering contact me! And if you aren’t thinking about volunteering, you definitely should be thinking about it!
I will be a junior at Iowa State University in the fall. I’m majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications with a minor in Agricultural Communications. At school I’m involved in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Public Relations Student Society of America, Stephens Street Team Vice President, and give tours of campus as a part of the STARS organization. I also work at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications Service department doing videos and writing for them.
I’m originally from Blockton, Iowa. I grew up on a livestock and row crop farm. I’ve been attending the Iowa State Fair my entire life! (I consider it our family vacation) Between having birthday parties at the fair, exhibiting projects in the 4-H building, and assisting with the campground shuttles as a part of the Clearfield Lions Club, the fair has always been an important part of my life. I can’t wait to add more experiences to my fair memories and for all the learning, fun and friendships this year will hold. I’m also super excited to meet all of the volunteers. So again, if you’re interested in volunteering give me a call. I would love to hear from you. That’s all for now, I’ll be back soon!
-Maggie J.
My family, friends and I going down the Giant Slide. (Which is one of my favorite things to do at the Fair!)
We raise broiler chickens back on my farm, so here I am after helping unload 80,000 chickens into the barns.
Hello again!
I missed my blog last week, so sorry to you all. I didn’t have too much to update you on, so you didn’t miss much. This week has been exciting. I officially finished my sophomore year of college and started packing to move out of my dorm. Things at the office are changing as well. We’ve got some new people in, including a new intern who I’m sure you’ll be hearing from soon.
Something else new around here is Birdies for Charity. If you like golf and you’ve been considering giving to the Blue Ribbon Foundation, here’s your chance! People wishing to donate can pledge a certain amount, starting at 25 cents, for every birdie made in the Principal Charity Classic. In addition, donations can be made at one time with a $25 minimum. The event will run from June 5 to 7.
If you choose to give to the Foundation through this program, we’ll get to keep 100% of that donation. In addition, we may be eligible for 10% matching donations if we raise $1000. It’s a great way to make a little wager where the Fair can be the real winner!
My high school always participated in Birdies for Charity with the John Deere Classic, so it’s nice for me to see the program again. Consider participating this year.
As always, have a great day!
Anna
Happy Friday and happy May!
It’s a beautiful day today. I hope the week is going well for everyone. I know it’s been pretty good to me. I had my 20th birthday, so I’m officially not a teenager anymore. Time flies. More proof of that is the fact that I’m in my seventh week here at the Foundation. Before I know it, it’ll be time for the Fair!
In the meantime, I’ll be working on more of the Iowan of the Day program. If you hadn’t noticed from my constant talking about it, the program is my main project. Every time I work on it, I get a little more excited. Right now, I’m working on a theme for this year. I don’t want to fully give it away yet, but I’ll give you a hint. It’ll grow on you. I’m hard at work making materials for a media kit and posters. It’s great to be creative with the project and work to make it the best that I can.
Only a few more weeks until school is out and I start at the Blue Ribbon Foundation full time for the summer. I’m looking forward to digging in and getting more involved. There’s so much to do!
Don’t forget to keep checking the blog for updates as summer gets closer. While you’re here on the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s website, be sure to check out the Corndog Kickoff page. It’s getting closer, so consider donating or attending!
Have a nice weekend,
Anna
My view for the day. (And every Monday, Wednesday and Friday!)
A beautiful start for May.
