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AWARDS/FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION
There are few things as exciting to watch as when a young person finds a spark that lights his or her imagination on fire. There are wide eyes, rapid questions, a desire to try, to learn, to try again. That SPARK is the start of an amazing future. Illinois 4-H Foundation donors help provide these SPARKS. Through philanthropic contributions, new programs are given life, resources are made available, and youth have new experiences. Your gifts help ignite the imagination of youth across the state. I hope you have seen and felt the many SPARKS through the stories highlighted in this year’s CloverSeed. If you are a donor to the Illinois 4-H Foundation—we thank you. If you have not yet personally felt the excitement of being a part of the Illinois 4-H SPARK, I hope you will consider making a gift.
Angie H. Barnard Illinois 4-H Foundation Executive Director
HELP CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ILLINOIS YOUTH The Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors is always looking for passionate and enthusiastic individuals to help build relationships to generate financial resources for Illinois 4-H. With you we can do more! If you are interested in serving, please email illinois4hfoundation@illinois.edu or call 217-333-9295
ILLINOIS 4-H FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Those who serve on the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors do so because they believe in what 4-H is teaching and want to build networks that generate financial resources for our state program. We give our thanks to you for your time, advocacy, and support of the Illinois 4-H program.
Dave Randall, Indiana Kevin Carey, McLean County Heather Thompson, McLean County Jerry Hicks, Sangamon County Dan Kelley, McLean County Louise Rogers, Champaign County Jan Sibley, Wisconsin Janine Heidtke, McHenry County Holly Spangler, Fulton County Melissa Wilson, Saline County Emma Coursey, Warren County Olivia Charles, Carroll County Jenny Webb, McLean County Brian Deverman, Missouri Lila Jeanne Eichelberger, Champaign County, emeritus Lisa Diaz, ex-officio Kim Meenen Bishop, ex-officio Shelly Nickols Richardson, ex-officio Tina Veal, ex-officio
THE POWER OF 4-H IS IN THE PEOPLE!
The depth and reach of positive youth development experiences is only possible with the statewide and local staff to execute 4-H and other Extension programs for youth. Current budgets allow for staffing at a 1:5,000-20,000 youth ratio. In some counties, there are even more youth per staff member. To provide more positive experiences for youth, we need more boots on the ground.
Private support is essential to building the financial capacity to attract and retain top-notch professionals, and, ultimately, is a philanthropic investment in the Illinois 4-H program. One specific funding priority is to endow the state 4-H program leader position. Gifts in support of this position will relieve other funding sources to be available for increased 4-H staffing throughout the state. Ultimately, an investment in this endowment has duplicate impact by also reaching more youth with additional professionals.
Donors who provide support to endow the state 4-H leader position will assist Illinois 4-H in closing the gap for youth in Illinois to have access to hands-on learning, service, leadership and workplace readiness experiences.
To learn more about supporting this priority, contact the Illinois 4-H Foundation at 217-333-9295 or illinois4Hfoundation@illinois.edu.
FOUNDATION
LONG-TERM FUNDING PRIORITIES
•Endow the State 4-H Program Leader position
• Assistance to send youth to regional, state and national experiences
•Provide opportunities for career exploration
•Funding to provide additional staff in order to provide more opportunities to include new youth in 4-H programming.
2022 FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHTS
TOTAL GIFTS TO ILLINOIS 4-H FOUNDATION 7/1/21 - 6/30/22 : $6,109,628
1,584 DONORS GAVE 2,863 GIFTS
80 ENDOWMENTS VALUED OVER $15.7M WITH AN ANNUAL INTEREST OF $306,400 4-H FOR OUR FUTURE FUND: $194,794 (3.2%)
4-H PROGRAM SPECIFIC: $280,717 (4.6%)
COUNTY-SPECIFIC SUPPORT: $500,680 (8.1%)
ENDOWMENTS: $5,133,437 (84.1%)
4-H FOUNDATION AWARDS $45,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
DR. LISA DIAZ, 4-H ASSISTANT DEAN AND DIRECTOR
STATE 4-H AWARD WINNERS
This award is sponsored by Patricia Clickener, Donna Mueller, Dr. Janice Seitz, and Chicago Farmers.
Forty-five young adults were chosen as scholarship winners in one of nine divisions of the State 4-H Award. Each winner receives a $1,000 scholarship.
The Animal Sciences award recognizes youth who have demonstrated and maintained a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery in their animal science projects. The winners are:
• Justin Irwin, Boone County • Lauren Wolter, Clinton County • Anna Curley, McDonough County • Emma Coursey, Warren County • Jacqueline Schertz, Woodford County This award was sponsored by Tim & Belinda Carey, George Obernagel, Keith & Lissa Parr, and Mark & Lee Ann Gossett.
The Civil Engagement & Global Living award recognizes youth that have focused on 4-H work in service to/for others. The winners are:
• Lydia Oker, Kendall County • Sydney Reppy, Kendall County • Anthony Joiner, Macoupin County • Carina Engst, McLean County • J Alden Knodle, Montgomery County This award is sponsored Ron & Melanie Warfield and Nannette Armstrong.
The Creative & Performing Arts & Communications award recognizes youth that have focused their 4-H work on the arts and the art of communicating with others. The winners are:
• Elena Hevrdejs, Lake County • Austin McNamara, McHenry County • Nicole VandeWalker, McHenry County • Clare Montavon, Ogle County • Jorgi Dupureur, Tazewell County This award is sponsored by Dee Murray, Kevin & Janette Rhoades, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation Legacy of Leadership Endowment.
The Food Systems award focuses on youth who have focused on food production, processing, distribution, and access. The winners are:
• Sophia Holmes, Cook County • Jenna Haas, Jo Daviess County • Emily Reppy, Kendall County • Lexi Cobin, Perry County • Callysta Borders, Union County This award is sponsored by Bernie & Susan Heisner, Donna Mueller, Evelyn Brandt Thomas, Dr. Larry Hageman, and Ray & Patricia Brownfield.
The Healthy Living & Nutrition award focuses on youth who are helping their communities make healthy decisions and lead healthy lifestyles. The winners are: • Libby Larkin, Livingston County • Braylee Gilmore, Macoupin County • Reagan Parks, McLean County • Emma Salverson, Peoria County • Victoria Zwilling, Richland County This award is sponsored by Patricia Clickener, Donna Mueller, Kevin & Janette Rhoades, and Dr. Janice Seitz.
The Leadership award recognizes youth that have focused on the development of leadership skills, including offices held, committees served on, programs led, and public presentations given on behalf of 4-H. The winners are: • Dylan Zwilling, Champaign County • Justin Gergen, DuPage County • Michelle Wang, Jackson County • Katelyn Engel, Knox County • Skye Schumaker, McLean County The Natural Resources & Environmental Science award recognizes youth who have focused on environmental stewardship. The winners are:
• Kierstan Lampe, Clinton County • Audra Spielman, Grundy County • Matias Habib, Kendall County • Elaan Bader, Montgomery County • Lillian Frazee,Sangamon County This award was sponsored by Brian & Kristin Deverman, Sharon & Art Tenhouse, Mark & Mary Kaufman, Walter Lynn, Colleen Callahan-Burns.
The Personal Growth award recognizes youth that have focused on personal growth through their participation in the 4-H program. The winners are: • Hannah Johnson, Fulton County • Elizabeth Melton, Kane County • Klarissa Helton, Logan County • Cole Rappe, Macon County • Campbell Russo, Winnebago County This award is sponsored by Patricia Clickener, Dave & Lisa McMurtry, Barbara & George Clark, and Dr. Janice Seitz.
The STEM & Robotics award recognizes youth who have focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The winners are:
• Nathan Fernando Munoz-Lo, Cook County • Lauren Luker, Edwards County • Zoe Ault, Kankakee County • Dhruv Rebba, McLean County • Lauren Haas, Tazewell County This award was sponsored by the Lisa Woessner Memorial 4-H Science Endowment, Sharon & Art Tenhouse, Dee Murray, and Landon Frye.
THE VERN & LEONA SHAFFER FAMILY 4-H LEGACY IS HONORED BY 4-H FOUNDATION
As a 50-year active Ursa Indian Grave Home Extension club member in Adams County, the late Leona Shaffer sparked a lasting love for Extension and 4-H. Over five generations, 42 Shaffer family members have contributed a combined 346 years of 4-H club membership. Their legacy is honored as the 2022 Illinois 4-H Foundation Family Spirit Award. Leona spent many years as a host and officer for her Extension club, participating well into her 90’s. Many family members fondly remember Leona helping with their 4-H projects throughout her lifetime. Generations gained fond memories and skills that benefit them in their careers today. “I have used and continue to use communications and leadership skills that I have learned through 4-H,” says Kaylyn Kirlin, Leona’s great-granddaughter. “It has translated into my career as a registered nurse, an active volunteer in my church, and in the children’s schools.” Many 4-H members from the Shaffer family went on to volunteer with the organization, serving a combined 238 years as 4-H volunteers, including a combined 24 years of club leadership. “Being a 4-H leader has been so rewarding,” says Leona’s granddaughter Carol (Shaffer) Hull. “Watching these members go from being shy and timid about giving a talk or demonstration or even speaking up at a meeting to holding an office and leading our young members in community service activities has been a great joy.” The Family Spirit Award recognizes Illinois families who have benefited from 4-H and continue to advocate for the Illinois 4-H program over multiple generations. In addition to length of 4-H membership, families advocate for the county and state 4-H programs through their community service and philanthropy.
Carolyn Roberts, Adams County Melynda “Mindy” Jefferson, Bond County Gene “Butch” Peters, Boone County Shelly Allen-Miller, Bureau County Sherry Allen, Bureau County Sue Stephenson, Champaign County Debra Forbes, Christian County Gerald “Jerry” Forsythe, Clark County Kimberly Wolter, Clinton County Joe Stephenson, Crawford County Roger Swingler, Cumberland County Corinne Swingler, Cumberland County Dale Sanderson, DeKalb County Kim Gibbons, Dewitt County EXTRAORDINARY VOLUNTEERS INDUCTED INTO 2022 ILLINOIS 4-H HALL OF FAME
Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 16,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently honored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.
Tim Walker, Douglas County Jim McGuire, Du Page County Dale Cash, Edgar County Rebecca Perry, Edwards County Julia Finfrock, Effingham County Dennis Finfrock, Effingham County Steve Meenen, Ford County Robyn Hendel, Fulton County Diane McLuckie, Grundy County Andrew “Andy” Miller Jr., Hamilton County Natalie Lionberger, Hancock County Sara Nimrick, Henderson County Angela Reed, Henry County Julie Fischer, Iroquois County Marge Thompson, Jasper County Steve Norris, Jefferson County Mary Thompson, Jersey County Goldie Foley, Jo Daviess County Doris Braddock, Kane County Rita Adams, Kankakee County Mary Schobert; Kendall County Michael Betz, Knox County Kendra Betz, Knox County Jill Hevrdejs, Lake County Michelle Rich, LaSalle County John “Ron” Waldrop, Lawrence County Judy Lohse, Lee County Amy Schlipf, Livingston County Patty Huffer, Logan County David Schafer, Macoupin County Helen Schafer, Macoupin County Patricia Stanton, Madison County Deanna Thomas, Marion County Lori Toepper, Marshall County Timothy Fanter, Mason County Karen Cox, Massac County Allen Barclay, McDonough County LeeAnn McNamara, McHenry County Rachel Kridner, McLean County Michael “Mike” Peterson, Mercer County Wilbert “Gene” Kraemer, Monroe County Larry Elvidge, Montgomery County Janet Elvidge, Montgomery County Sheryl Hopkins, Ogle County Lyle Hopkins, Ogle County Carol Cowser; Peoria County Diana Leischner, Piatt County Esther Waddy, Pulaski County Becky Steber, Richland County Julie Derrer, Rock Island County Darrell Beutler, Saint Clair County James Bond, Saline County Jeanette Bond, Saline County Sharon Lounsberry, Sangamon/Menard County John Brix, Shelby County Joseph Tracy, Stark County Dean Kuper, Stephenson County Wayne Deppert, Tazewell County Vonda Hill, Union County Holly Clem, Vermilion County Jason Tennis, Wabash County Randal Shimmin, Warren County Steve Harre, Washington County Rick Davis, White County Sandy Davis, White County Melody VonHolten, Whiteside County Mariana Maldonado, Will County Sharon Chapman, Williamson County Kathy Koning-McClure, Winnebago County Pete Fandel, Woodford County
Leadership from the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and Illinois Extension gathered in Stronghurst, Illinois in April to celebrate Nann Armstrong’s gift of farmland to the University of Illinois Foundation. Gifted in 2019, the Armstrong Family Farm supports the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Illinois 4-H, both of which have been a part of Armstrong’s heritage for multiple generations.
With a gift of farmland, she ensures her family’s legacy will continue to impact current and future generations of Illinois 4-H members and students in the College of ACES Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
WITH A GIFT OF FARMLAND, ARMSTRONG ENSURES HER FAMILY’S LEGACY WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS OF ILLINOIS 4-H MEMBERS.
Significant to Armstrong’s decision to gift the farmland was her relationship with the current farm operator, Kim Gullberg, and the ability for him to continue caring for the land after she made her gift.
Pictured: Ross Vancil, Henderson County 4-H member and National 4-H Congress delegate; Sam Iwinski, HDFS graduate student and Nann Armstrong Fellowship Recipient; Nann Armstrong, donor; Ramona Faith Oswald, Head, HDFS; Lisa Diaz, Assistant Dean and Director of Illinois 4-H; Germán Bollero, Interim Dean, ACES. Photo credit: college of ACES
IDEAS FOR GIVING
Donate stock or mutual fund shares:Donating appreciated securities that you have held one year or longer, such as stock or mutual funds, can be a tax- wise way to support Illinois 4-H. You may: • Avoid federal and state tax on the capital gain • Receive an income tax deduction (federal and most states) for the full market value of the gift (if you itemize).
IRA charitable gift: Distributions from your traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and employer- sponsored retirement plans are considered taxable income. A charitable distribution from your IRA directly to the Illinois 4-H Foundation helps you avoid that increase in taxable income and makes a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
A gift through your estate:By sharing the following language with your estate-planning attorney, you can provide a gift to UIF to benefit Illinois 4-H in your will or trust. "I leave (e.g. % of estate, $ amount, residue) to the University of Illinois Foundation, an Illinois nonprofit corporation (Tax ID 37-6006007), for the benefit of the Illinois 4-H Foundation supporting the Illinois 4-H Youth Development Program.”
Naming UIF beneficiary of your transferable-on-death or payable-on-death brokerage or investment accounts are also wonderful options to support 4-H.
To learn more about these options, contact Angie Barnard at abarnard@illinois.edu or 217-333-9295.
