BIOWAlue STATE FAIR Foundation Back to theRibbon s we wrap up a year filled with unpredictability, I’m choosing to move into the new year Basicsfocused on what I’ve learned and on getting back to the basics. When the world turns completely A upside down, one thing remains a reliable constant – family. If you ask anyone working in the Fair industry, they will agree that the stress, hard work and ridiculously long days are all worth it to see the smiles on Fairgoers’ faces. Our staff keep perspective knowing that in life; it’s about faith, family and Fair, in that order. Drew Sniezek Communications Manager As an organization, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has also taken time to get back to the basics and reflect on our mission to preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds. How do we accomplish our goal? We rely on our Iowa State Fair “family” of donors. Throughout the pages of this newsletter are the names of generations of families who truly love the Iowa State Fair. As we listen to all of our loyal donors’ stories, we find examples of grandparents bringing children to the Fair for the How do we first time... followed by those children bringing their children. This newsletter’s accomplish our Donor Profile article highlights one family where volunteering, specifically goal? We rely with the Blue Ribbon Foundation, is at the heart of their family. on our Iowa State Looking back, it was simple; more than 25 years ago a group of donors took Fair “family” a chance on a new organization that wanted to take action. The renovation of donors. of Grandfather’s Barn and a new building constructed, the Horner Service Center, were just the beginning. One by one, barns and buildings across the Fairgrounds were improved. From unseen electrical updates or simple rest- room improvements, to construction of a state-of-the-art Jacobson Exhibition Center, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has been determined to keep the Iowa State Fairgrounds in top-notch condition. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is excited about 2021 and is optimistically looking forward to another year of commitment to what we do best: improving the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds for all. Maintaining the Iowa State Fairgrounds Index2 Noted is an honor that our organization takes very seriously. The Iowa State Fair is Big Challenges – Bigger Vision important to so many Iowans. Keeping the Fairgrounds in the best condition Corndog Tax Checkoff possible is not just our continuous goal but also our passion. 3 T.A.G. Team The Blue Ribbon Foundation has proved to Iowans that we are here for the long 4 Champion’s Circle Thank You haul. We have not lost sight of our basic purpose – to keep the magic of the Iowa State Fairgrounds alive. We wish you and your families a new year filled with 5 Roll of Donors new memories. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to do what we love. 20 Mailbox, Donor Profile Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Newsletter Winter 2021 Noted! FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN Thank you to the following donors that took on the challenge and shared our vision for the future! The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” fundraising campaign raised $82,875 for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Thank you! • SAVE THE DATES Deane Adams Amy Dutton Sid & Lois Hotopp David & Peggy Miller Lori Slings Dawn Anderegg Nola Edwards Carolyn Hove Gene & Teri Miller James & Vista Smid Corndog Kickoff: James Arthur Crista Eischeid Iowa Beverage Marijane Miller Barbara Staggs Jerry & Florida Arthur Randy & Becky Elsbernd Systems, Inc. Mike & Joan Minnihan Jack & Deborah Stapleton Saturday, July 10 Christine Bailey Bennett & Leisa Ely Darold Jacobson Connie Neal Star Equipment, Ltd. Tom & Lori Bailey Kevin & Mary Emge Dennis & Norma Johnson Jim & Chris Neary Glenn & Ginger Sterk Iowa State Fair: Edwin Bartine Nanette Everly Donald Judisch Laura Nelsen Frances Stetson Daniel Bartlett James & Dagni Falvey Colin & Sandra Kavanagh Janet Nelson Carolyn Stewart August 12-22 Carolyn Bishop Lydia Fine Bill & Sarah Keel Karen Norman Bill & Faye Stull Lyndle & Roberta Bitting Evelyn Fisher Onnalee Kelley Linda Northway James & Karen Taylor • Blue Ribbon Foundation Charles & Donna Bogaard James & Sue Fisher Kenneth Kessler Mark & Gaylene Otto Ron Taylor Pam Bradford Cindy Fleischacker Craig & Beverly Kimpton Gregory Peck Tom & Terri Taylor giving program orders are Lee & Carol Brentlinger Charles & Angela Ford Clarence & Rosalie Kinney Greg Peiffer The Dental Practice due by March 31 to be placed in Ron & Joyce Brewster Ric & Sue Frambach Michelle Koelling Kay Peiffer Bret & Beth Thies Roger Brooks & Richard & Beth Frank Larry & Betty Kriedberg Carroll & Cynthia Peterson Glenda Thompson time for the 2021 Iowa State Fair. Sunnie Richer John & Jane Frimml KSCanuck LLC Everett & Joan Pilkington Tom & Rosie Traynor David & Joyce Brown Tom & Linda Fuller Jerry & Vicki Lage Louise Piper Georgia Van Gundy • Are you receiving our Randy Brown Gary & Monica Fulton Kevin & LaCretia Lage Don & Carolyn Doran & Cora Allan & Karen Bruhn Frank & Judy Gale Franklin & Lois Lappin Poffenbarger Van Rheenen monthly E-News? If not, email Casey’s General Rex & Nancy Games Kipp & Nancy Larsen Joe & Kara Pollpeter Joyce Vanderleest [email protected] Stores, Inc. David & Mary Giese David & Karen Long Dwight & Erin Porter Norman & Sherry Roger & Kim Ceilley Louis & Anita Gilbert Roger & Donna Loof Russell & Marilyn Price Veldhuizen to be added to the list. Curtis & Diane Claeys Lori Gilroy William Lowe Robert & Marianne Quinty Melvin & Kathryn Tammy Clark Chris & Patricia Gilroy Marion & Fran Lucas Dale & Caryl Weatherwax CALL Tony Clark William Gode Karen Luscri Rammelsberg Dan & Carol Werner 515 -262-3111 E x t. 371 Phil & Caren Clevenger Garth Grafft Lorry Luscri Dean & Jeanene Redlinger John & Lauren Wheeler LaMonte & Jean Combs Kathryn Griffin Rita Luther Robert & Mary Ritz Denis & Linda Wilcox Deanna Connolly Linda Groenendyk Arlene Lynch Robin Rossignol James & Carolyn Wilkins EMAIL Floyd & Bonnie Constant Juanita Gustin June Lynch Patrick & Tracy Sage John & Geri Williamson Don Corrigan John & Barb Hagie Sharon MacDonald- Marillyn Schlutz Rena Wilson [email protected] Jeff & Meg Courter Mark Hansen Williams Andrew Schmitz Norm & Marjorie Peter & Mary Cownie Carolyn Hanson Max & Janet Marshall Ronald Schulz Wonderlich MAIL Dale & Eunice Cox Denise Harlan Eldon & Denise McAfee Roberta Scott Carla Wood P.O. Box 57130 | Des Moines, IA Daniel Cretors Eleanor Hawkins Richard & Mary McCall Sherry Sears William & Evelyn Wright Steve & Jeanine Karen Hayes Linda McClure Shannon Shepherd Teresa Zangerle 50317 Cruickshank Paul & Deb Hayes Jane McCombs Gail Sheridan- Lucht Mark & Deanna Ziino Larry & Debbie Curtis Clete & Sheila Heim Barry & JoAnn McKibben Bruce & Barb Sherman Larry & Kathleen Loyal & Linda Dorr Jim & Leah Rae Highly Gary & Beverly McKnight Mel & Linda Shivvers Zimpleman Kevin & Jan Dougherty Arthur & Sharon Hitz Dave & Anne Merschman Bob & Cherie Shreck Teresa Zmolek-Canada Harry &Bette Dryer Allen & Wanda Holm Daniel & Ruth Meyer Steve & Donna Simmons Jean Dusenberry Jill Hood Barbara Miller Don & Jennifer Slagle Staff The Blue Ribbon Foundation staff consists of four full-time employees. Peter Cownie, Executive Director, oversees the entire operation. Robin Taylor, Assistant Director, tracks all accounting records, orders Fair merchandise and directs the auction portion of the Corndog Kickoff. We truly need your help! Despite not being able to welcome many visitors to the Iowa Meg Courter, Sponsorship Director, coordinates all State Fairgrounds in 2020, preservation efforts and renovations continue to occur. sponsorships for the Iowa State Fair and the Corndog Tax Checkoff. This important work is not possible without the attention and generosity of Fair fans like you. Drew Sniezek, Communications Manager, organizes giving programs and oversees all communications and event planning. The Corndog Checkoff provides an easy way to contribute to these ongoing efforts through a tax-deductible donation on your Iowa return. Please consider donating when completing your 2020 taxes. Look for “State Fair” on Line 57b on Iowa Form 1040. Every dollar donated is directed to preserving the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information visit www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org/CorndogCheckoff. 2 T. A . G. The Blue Ribbon Foundation created the T.A.G. team addition to brick and mortar work. The Agriculture to bring like-minded, Fair-loving individuals together Building is one of the finest remaining examples of to make the Iowa State Fairgrounds an even better exposition-style architecture in the world. place. It was a simple concept; Together we can The facility is now home to the famous Butter Cow as Accomplish our Goals. Last year, T.A.G. TeamTeam well as the Fair’s vegetables and fruits competitions. members supported the renovation of the east Fairgoers can see a variety of floral displays, interesting restroom in the Livestock Pavilion. exhibits or grab an egg-on-a-stick to go. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is once again looking for For a $250 donation, only 100 donors will be accepted 100 donors who want to make an immediate, positive into this unique group. Your name will be listed and direct impact on our historic Fairgrounds by as a key player in the renovation project on a tackling a smaller renovation project. This year, we plaque inside the building and you will receive a are shining the spotlight on the Agriculture Building. commemorative pin to denote your membership in Money raised from the 2021 T.A.G. Team will be used the 2021 T.A.G. Team. to upgrade 96 lights on the Agriculture Building’s first level, under the balcony. The high efficient, LED We welcome your lighting will be energy saving. The new fixtures will participation in be dimmable, making it possible to adjust lighting our T.A.G. Team needs for rentals outside of the Iowa State Fair, like corporate events or weddings. so Together we can Accomplish Originally constructed in 1904, the Agriculture Building was one of the first buildings resulting our Goals from the major effort to convert the Fairgrounds JOIN TODAY.