WASHINGTON COUNTY EXTENSION
14949 – 62nd St. N. Phone: 651-430-6800
Stillwater, MN 55082 Fax: 651-430-6811
June 1, 2009
Dear 4-H Families:
The “Save Washington County 4-H” Strategy Committee has continued their work on raising funds/awareness to help save Washington County 4-H. As you know, all current county funding for the 4-H program will be eliminated on September 15, 2009. In order to continue the program, we must raise additional funds.
The Strategy Committee has focused their work on three areas: Administration and Finance, Fundraising and Publicity. These work teams are headed by the following members of the Strategy team. If you would be willing to volunteer your time to assist in any of these areas, please contact the following Strategy team members:
Overall Chair - Dan Dolan 651-459-4527 or danandjandolan@comcast.net
Administration & Finance – Steve Anderson s.anderson@vinco-inc.com
Fundraising – Julie Finch jfinch@finch-law.com Dave Olson davidolson@usfamily.net
Publicity – John Strohfus jstrohfu@homepages-etc.com Linda Tank mtank@qwest.net
Other initiatives include:
Direct mail fundraising letter to potential supporters:
A donation request letter has been sent to over 1000 families, asking individuals to contribute to our fundraising efforts. Our goal is to raise $110,000 which would ensure the program continuation through 2010 with one Program Coordinator.
Marketing 4-H through summer parades:
4-H has created a float to be used in multiple city parades throughout the summer. The goals of involvement in the parades are to 1) increase awareness of 4-H and promote membership and 2) raise awareness of our fundraising needs and encourage new donors. We will be handing out 4-H information during each parade. 4-H families can help in this effort by walking in the parade and handing out 4-H information. To volunteer, contact Avis Peters at avisapeters@hotmail.com
Seeking Support from cities and townships:
The Strategy Committee has been working with Commissioners Gary Kriesel and Lisa Weik. Commissioner Kriesel is willing to join the Strategy Committee to speak with the city councils/town boards throughout the county, seeking financial support for saving Washington County 4-H. Commissioner Kriesel and chairperson Dan Dolan plan to attend council/board meetings in the next two months. All 4-H families have received an e-mail asking for contacts you may know on city councils throughout Washington County.
University:
The Strategy Comm. has continued to work with University Extension and 4-H leadership on funding models, fundraising, and other questions.
The Strategy team will continue to keep you updated as we move forward.