The fourth annual "Why 4-H is Great" concert was held on November 14, 2013, and exceeded all expectations becoming one of the most successful "Why 4-H is Great" concerts to date - raising the highest number of dollars! Gord Bamford rocked the stage in Valleyview at the local Polar Palace, thrilling the audience with an outstanding event that is sure to be on Valleyview residents' minds for years to come!
"I have been living and breathing "Why 4-H is Great" for the past 6 and a half months," says Sherry Howey, Chair of the Gord Bamford Concert Planning Committee. "Let me tell you, I have been schooled in "Why 4-H is Great"! The best people on earth are part of this organization, the youth, their families, the businesses associated with this club are the best there is! I am humbled by the drive, determination and follow through the members, clubs, and all associated showed in bringing about our Gord Bamford Concert. You are the best! Thank you!" Approximately 200 4-H members, leaders, and their families volunteered their time to help make this event a success, working tirelessly to promote the concert and sell tickets, plan and organize and perfect every detail of the event.
"It was great to be a part of the "Why 4-H is Great" event again this year and I want to thank ATB Financial for their continued support of my music and 4-H Alberta," says Gord Bamford. "The hard work and group participation that is instilled into the youth of 4-H really showed Valleyview where they raised the bar again this year by raising so much money. As a proud 4-H alumnus I just want to say thanks again to ATB Financial, 4-H Alberta and all those who came out to the show...great job by everyone!"
In addition to the fun with 4-H Alberta Alumni Gord Bamford, concert-goers also were able to enjoy some outstanding amateur home-ground 4-H talent. Taryn Stauffer was selected as the winner of the 2013 "Why 4-H is Great" community concert musicians contest, with her prize being the honor of opening for Gord Bamford at the Valleyview Concert. She sang 4 songs at the concert which she had written about life in Alberta. Born, raised and still residing near Tofield, Alberta, Taryn Stauffer developed a passion for music at an early age. Just 23 years old, she has composed over 40 of her own original songs, with many more in the works.
Valleyview 4-H District was the 2013 "Why 4-H is Great" concert contest recipient, submitting the winning audio visual entry to the "Why 4-H is Great" Facebook page and receiving the most Facebook "likes". The annual "Why 4-H is Great" concert serves as a fundraiser for the local 4-H host district. "We would like to thank our partners, ATB Financial and Gord Bamford. Your commitment provides our 4-H grassroots with the opportunity to experience something unique and special," says Bruce Banks, CEO, 4-H Foundation of Alberta. "Thank you also to Valleyview 4-H District and all the dedicated volunteers who contributed so much to this event. The resounding success of the 2013 "Why 4-H is Great" concert is a testament to the entire community of Valleyview." Over the past four years the partnership between ATB Financial, Gord Bamford and 4-H Alberta has raised over $68,000 for 4-H districts in Alberta.
The community of Valleyview will remember this event as one filled with 4-H spirit and pride, fun and generosity. "The excitement the concert created in Valleyview is too big to contain! We receive a tonne of love for 4-H and for ATB Financial. Our community is already requesting an encore performance for next year!" says Linley Coward, Branch Manager of Valleyview ATB Financial.
A total of 1,278 tickets were sold for the 2013 "Why 4-H is Great" concert, with all proceeds benefitting the Valleyview 4-H District. This year, through concert ticket sales, a total of $31,150 was fundraised by clubs in the Valleyview 4-H District. The Valleyview 4-H District council will be accepting proposals for funding requests from 4-H clubs in the area to determine how the "Why 4-H is Great" money is to be used. An additional $5,000 was raised at the concert, with the auction of front-row seats to the highest bidder as a fundraiser.
Any club or volunteers interested in registering can contact Andrea McFadden, 4-H Foundation of Alberta, 1.877.682.2153 or email: McFadden@4hab.com. 
