Oct. 4-10 is National 4-H Week, and 4-H clubs all over the nation are celebrating. The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical “learn by doing” experiences encourages youth to experiment, innovate and think independently. 4-H programs are offered through school enrichment programs, camp settings and within community clubs.
National 4-H Week took off with a speedy start Sunday, as the 4-H emblem made its debut appearance in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The well-known national icon was featured on the “TV panel” of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet driven by Jeff Gordon at Kansas Speedway. The placement of the 4-H clover on the No. 24 Chevrolet was made possible through a donation by DuPont, sponsor of both the No. 24 team and of 4-H.
“4-H has been a leader among youth development organizations, enriching the lives of millions of young people for more than100 years,” said Gordon. “It is an honor to have such an iconic emblem featured on the DuPont Chevrolet and to provide such an exciting way to help the nation kick off National 4-H Week.”
“The appearance of the 4-H emblem on Jeff Gordon’s car in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is a wonderful salute to 4-H by DuPont, and an amazing way for us to begin National 4-H Week,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Now, millions of current 4-Hers, 4-H alumni and racing fans alike can watch with excitement as the clover takes to the track for the first time.”
The Kansas event is the third in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, and the 1.5-mile track is the site of two of Gordon’s 82 career victories in NASCAR’s premier division.
4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of National 4-H Headquarters (USDA). The 4-H programs are implemented by the 106 Land Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country.
Southern States sells clovers for youth in Rowan County
Southern States is showing support of local 4-H clubs by implementing the “Clovers All Over” fundraising promotion in Rowan County. During National 4-H Week and the week after (October 5-18), Southern States will offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase paper clovers in the shape of the 4-H emblem, and 50 percent of the proceeds will directly support local 4-H clubs in Rowan County.
At checkout, customers can show their support for 4-H by purchasing a paper clover for one dollar and have the option to donate additional funds if they wish. After purchasing a paper clover, customers can sign their name on it and have it displayed in-store. All funds raised during the “Clovers All Over” campaign will be used to support local 4-H camps, after-school programs and other 4-H youth development program activities.
Last year, in just two weeks, the promotion raised more than $250,000 for 4-H, with $125,000 going directly back to local programs.
The “Clovers All Over” fundraising program begins today and will end October 18.
For more information about how you and your child can become involved in 4-H or how to become a 4-H volunteer in Rowan County, contact Sara Drake, 4-H Extension Agent at North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Rowan County Center at sara_drake@ncsu.edu or at 704-216-8970.