Why is 4-H Great? Valleyview 4-H District Knows Why!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.   

 

Thank You to Calgary Region Clubs and Wheatland 4-H District!

On October 30, 2013 the Wheatland District, with help from the Calgary Region, led 4-H Alberta in celebrating great alignments with the 3rd Annual Corporate Partnerships Appreciation Evening at the Strathmore Civic Centre.

 

This year's event was focused on the theme "Growing on 96 Years" where clubs were able to take our Corporate Partners on a journey of where 4-H has been and where 4-H in Alberta is "Growing".  Corporate Sponsors also were shown "a year in the life of..." various 4-H projects through showcases that focused on some of the great agriculture related initiatives and other unique projects that have helped to shape a great 96 years in Alberta. 

 

Thank you to the Airdrie Beef and Sheep 4-H Club, Arrow Wood River Wranglers, Bow Valley Bandits 4-H Light Horse Club, Central Beiseker 4-H Club, Cheadle 4-H Club, Crowfoot Multi 4-H Club, Jumping Pound 4-H Beef, Midnight Express 4-H Horse Club, Strathmore 4-H Multi Club and the Swalwell 4-H Beef Club for showing their projects in this year's showcase.

Additional thanks to the following people for their efforts and support!

Speakers and Presenters

• Cassidy and Quin Sawyer - 4-H Pledge & 4-H Grace
• Jared, Justin and Alexis Couch - Growing on 96 Years
• Nicole Lamb - Overall 4-H Benefit
• Michael Brewin, Erin Warrack and Sabrina Kooistra - Cheadle 4-H Club - The Story of "Hulk"
• Billie Comstock & Marshall Biskup - Archery Presentation
• Travis Hunter - Multi-species Judging
• Jacob Onyschuk - Benefits 4-H Brings to the Industry

Master of Ceremonies

• Dakota Townsend - Red Deer West 4-H Beef Club

4-H Alumni Helpers

• Myranda Stewart - 4-H Alberta Alumni, Cheadle 4-H Club & former 4-H Alberta Ambassador
• Tyler Bushfield - 4-H Alberta Alumni, Irricana 4-H Beef and Multi
• Pauline Chiacchia - 4-H Alberta Ambassador, Calgary 4-H Region

Special Thanks

• Norma Ansloos
• Michelle Lalonde, Wheatland 4-H District Key Leader

The contributions provided to 4-H Alberta that night by dedicated past and present 4-H members, parents and volunteers allowed our Corporate Partners to see and interact with the great program that is 4-H Alberta!

 

Thank you to all the Calgary Region clubs and the Wheatland District for hosting the 3rd Annual 4-H Alberta Corporate Partnerships Appreciation Event! We truly appreciate the support and for helping us to say thank you to 4-H Alberta Corporate Partners!

 

Please keep in mind that the 4th Annual Corporate Partnerships Appreciation Evening will be held again next fall in Strathmore, Alberta.  If you or your club would like to get involved please contact: Rae-Lee Pieschel by email: pieschel@4hab.com or phone: 587.999.2240.

 

Photo 1: 2013 4-H Alberta Corporate Partners

Photo 2: Swalwell 4-H Beef Club's Showcase 

Ram Canada "100 Scholarships for 100 years of 4-H in Canada" Program

Ottawa, ON - November 6, 2013 – The Chrysler Foundation has teamed up with 4-H Canada to sponsor one hundred scholarships valued at $1,000 each for 4-H members across Canada.

 

4-H scholarships provide opportunities for Canadian youth to further their education and expand their knowledge in support of the agriculture industry. Members also have opportunities to travel nationally and internationally on exchanges, participate in leadership conferences and apply for additional grants and awards. 4-H Canada works with all provinces to create clubs in local communities and has an exceptional track record of developing confident Canadian leaders.

 

4-H youth from across Canada are eligible to apply for the scholarship if they meet the following criteria:

1. applicants must be at least 16 years of age as of January 1, 2013;
2. a current 4-H member in good standing;
3. in their final year of high school and have applied* to a field of study in the arts, science or business of agriculture;

OR

• currently enrolled in post-secondary school and studying arts, science or business of agriculture.

*Applied means the student must show acceptance from a qualified, post-secondary institution by May 31, 2014.

 

Applicants must submit a 500 word essay outlining “What does being a farmer mean to you?” as well as a letter of reference from a 4-H Club leader.

 

An on-line application form can be found at apply.4-h-canada.ca and will open on Tuesday, November 12, 2013.

 

“This educational initiative supports the cornerstone of what 4-H is about”, said Shannon Benner, CEO of 4-H Canada. "We are very fortunate that The Chrysler Foundation understands the importance of developing responsible and motivated young leaders in Canada. This investment truly embodies the spirit of 4-H leadership as it will have community impact from coast to coast.”

 

“In its 100-year history, this is the largest, one-year scholarship program that 4-H has rolled out,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Chrysler Canada. “It goes without saying that The Chrysler Foundation and Ram Trucks are quite humbled to be able provide this many Canadian youth the opportunity to further their education and expand their knowledge in support of our vital agricultural industry. After all, Ram Truck’s ‘Year of the Farmer’ is not only about today’s farmers, but tomorrow’s as well.”

 

The scholarship application process is now open and the deadline to apply is January 15, 2014. Scholarship winners will be notified in March 2014.

 

About 4-H Canada

 

4-H is one of Canada’s longest-running and most respected youth-serving organizations helping young Canadians to “Learn to Do by Doing” in a safe environment. With more than 24,000 members and 7,500 volunteer leaders, the 4-H community has extended beyond its rural roots and offers clubs for a diverse range of interests and skills across the country. Provided with the tools and guidance 4-H members work individually and with others to reach their goals. This unique combination of group-based learning and personal interests is what makes the 4-H experience exciting and memorable for everyone involved. Through this process, we are creating a 4-H culture of skilled, responsible and confident leaders that are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada. At a national program level, members have the chance to travel nationally and internationally, and participate in leadership conferences and seminars.

 

To learn more about 4-H Canada visit: www.4-h-canada.ca

 

About The Chrysler Foundation

 

The Chrysler Foundation, the charitable arm of Chrysler Group LLC, has established a proud legacy of empowering people and investing in local communities. The Chrysler Foundation focuses its support on four key areas: Education: K-12 and post-secondary education initiatives that encourage the study and pursuit of careers in business, design, science, technology, engineering, mathematics or supply-chain management; Military: support for the nation’s service members and their families in need; Multicultural / Diversity: initiatives that promote inclusion and advancement opportunities for diverse populations; and Youth Development: organizations and programs that provide mentoring and related assistance to aid youth in the transition to adulthood. Since its inception in 1953, The Chrysler Foundation has awarded more than $500 million in charitable grants.

 

About the Ram Truck Brand

 

The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its identity and clearly define its customers since its launch as the newest Chrysler Group LLC vehicle brand. Creating a stand-alone brand for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they’d like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hardworking Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

 

For more information, media can contact:

 

Christine Moses, Marketing and Communications Manager

cmoses@4-h-canada.ca

613-234-4448 (ext 29)

Need a 4-H Loan? ATB Financial can help!

ATB Financial is proud to support tomorrow's leaders.  Through the 4-H Loan Program, ATB provides support to members of the 4-H program by loaning money for the purchase of marketable livestock - beef, swine, sheep, meat goats and horses - and other approved projects.
 

The following conditions apply:

• Loans to a maximum of $5,000
• Interest as low as prime
• Co-signature from parent or guardian is required
• No fee

To find out more, and to print a copy of the 4-H Loan Application Form, please visit:

http://www.atb.com/business/agriculture/agriculture-borrowing/Pages/4-h-loan-program.aspx
 

ATB Financial is a 4-H Alberta Legacy Builder supporter of the 4-H Alberta program - meaning that they are involved at all levels of the 4-H program (club, district, region and province) and contribute to 4-H Alberta's highest level with staff time, company resources and funding. ATB provides support to the following provincial programs: Provincial Leaders' Conference; Senior Members' Conference; Provincial Beef Heifer Show; Provincial Dairy Show; Horse Classic; Provincial Judging Competition; 4-H Scholarships; Awards of Excellence; 4-H Alberta Magazine; Why 4-H is Great Contest & Fundraising Concert as well as offers staffing, support, expertise and assistance with their 4-H Loan Program and 4-H Club Account Programs.

 

 

 

Moody's Equipment Supports District* Communications

 

4-H Alberta is pleased to announce that Moody`s Equipment is continuing as a Champion 4-H Alberta supporter for 2013/2014 club year! Moody’s Equipment is a New Holland agricultural and construction equipment dealership that has committed to building a partnership with 4-H Alberta.

 

Moody’s has committed to supporting select 4-H Alberta District Communications*, 4-H Alberta Calgary Regional Communications, and the 4-H Alberta Magazine. As a result, select districts will be provided funding and support for their District Communications events.  Each District will be notified of exact funding amounts via email and the financial support will be deposited directly into the applicable district accounts via EFT in the new year.

 

Moody’s will be supporting the following 4-H Alberta District Communications: Olds District Areas (Lacombe, Mountain View, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House); Calgary District Areas (Kneehill, Rockyview, Wheatland); High River District Areas (Foothills, Vulcan, Willow Creek).

 

In light of this development we would like to coordinate a meeting between each applicable district and the related Moody’s representative for the area. Potentially, this face-to-face meeting and discussion could be set up to coincide with one of your District Meetings, depending on the availability of your local Moody’s representative. The goal of this meeting would be to introduce the two parties and to further leverage the partnership by engaging Moody’s Equipment by discussing the objectives of the partnership for both.

 

The 4-H Foundation of Alberta looks forward to working with each applicable district and continuing to facilitate a rewarding partnership with Moody`s Equipment. If the applicable District's President or Treasurer could please contact Rae-Lee Pieschel, Executive Assistant, Corporate Partnerships, 4-H Foundation of Alberta, phone: (587) 999-2240 or email: pieschel@4hab.com, by December 13th, 2013, with details of your district communication date, time, and location, it would be greatly appreciated. Also at this time, we would appreciate if you could let us know what type of volunteers (if any) you require for your communications competitions (for example, if you require volunteer judges). 

 

In the event you have more questions regarding Moody`s Equipment’s support please do not hesitate to contact Carmen Stone directly at the information below:

 

Carmen Stone

Manager, Corporate Partnerships

4-H Foundation of Alberta

#13, 4101 - 19 Street NE | Calgary, AB | T2E 7C4

Ph: 403.869.3528 | Email: cstone@4hab.com

www.4h.ab.ca | www.4hab.com

Why 4-H is Great Tickets Available Now!

 

 

Tickets to the 4th Annual Why 4-H is Great community concert are now available.  The Gord Bamford fundraising concert, for Valleyview 4-H District, sponsored by ATB Financial, will take place on November 14, 2013 at the Valleyview Polar Palace. 

 

$25.00 tickets can be purchased through:

• Harry Gray Elementary
• Hillside Jr./Sr. High School
• Oscar Adolphson Primary School
• Valleyview 4-H District Members
• ATB Financial Branches:
• Beaverlodge
• Fahler
• Fox Creek
• Grande Prairie (all branches)
• High Prairie
• Peace River
• Sexsmith
• Tofield
• Valleyview

In the past three consecutive years, the partnership between ATB Financial, Gord Bamford and 4-H Alberta has raised $37,000 for 4-H.  For more information visit the Why 4-H is Great Facebook page here.

 

 

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the 40th Annual Canadian Finals Rodeo

Don't miss the most action packed finals in Canada.  With six pro-rodeo events: Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling and Tie-Down Roping the Canadian Finals Rodeo will definitely get your adrenaline flowing. 

Round up your 4-H posse - all you need is 20 or more people for one performance to get discounted group rates!

For a group order form visit here.