History of Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation

The Hidalgo County 4-H Youth Development Foundation was organized in November 1967 for the purpose of developing support and in the expansion of the 4-H program. It was anticipated that the Foundation would be able to help 4-H youth to participate in leadership training programs at county, state, and national levels.

The Foundation’s only means of funding 4-H events was from soliciting donations from local businesses, individuals, 4-H clubs, civic groups, memorial gifts and wills. Any individual, organization, group or business could become a member of the Foundation by making a contribution of $5.00 or more. A mailing list was maintained and each year a letter was sent requesting support for the 4-H program. All funds received were used to fund 4-H events such as Fashion Revue, Food Show, 4-H camp, Roundup, and Officer Trainings.

By the year 1972 the Foundation had sufficient funds to award a scholarship. Mr. Rafael Guerra made the formal presentation of the first 4-H Foundation scholarship to Deborah Moseley of McAllen in the amount of $400.00.

With financial assistance of the Foundation, the 4-H youth program in Hidalgo County expanded, as did its needs such as more 4-Hers eligible for scholarships. The method of fund raising by mail was no longer as effective as it had been in the past. In 1990 the Foundation began conducting the “4-H Hoedown”, which consisted of an auction and dinner, as a means of raising funds. Since that time they continue to conduct this event on an annual basis.

At the November, 1993 meeting, the board of directors voted to change the name of the Foundation from, “Hidalgo County 4-H Youth Development Foundation” to “Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation.”

To date, there have been 475 Hidalgo County 4-H high school seniors awarded scholarships amounting to $1,158,000. In 2017, the Foundation started awarding Continuing Education scholarships for qualifying past recipients. The Foundation has also made it possible for well over a thousand 4-Hers to participate in many camps and leadership and citizenship training experiences.

This year the Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation Hoedown will be held on Saturday, September 25th at Las Palmas Race Park, Mission, Tx. Dinner will be catered by SALT New American Table and entertainment will be provided by Brady Honeycutt and Lauren Corzine. For more information about table sponsorships or to purchase tickets, please contact any board member or call 956-578-9786.