COLUMBUS - Having a statewide 4-H center is closer to reality after a recent contribution by Farm Bureau and Nationwide Insurance Foundation.

Tuesday, February 19, 2002

COLUMBUS - Having a statewide 4-H center is closer to reality after a recent contribution by Farm Bureau and Nationwide Insurance Foundation.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Nationwide recently pledged a combined $4 million challenge grant, in addition to an initial pledge of $2 million by Nationwide in September 2000.

"Through the challenge grant, every $2 raised by 4-H members and volunteers will be matched by $1 from Nationwide," Jeff King, state 4-H leader, said. He added, "thanks to the generous leadership of these two organizations, we look forward to reaching our $12 million goal."

In addition to the contribution made by the the organization, King said a statewide campaign and fundraising drive will officially kick-off March 9 during the annual 4-H Volunteer Conference held in Columbus. The kick-off campaign, King added, will allow the organization the chance to let 4-H’ers families, businesses, communities, and 4-H alumni, know the details of the proposed statewide center.

Creation of the center is a dream for many, King said. Planning efforts began in August 2001 when 4-H volunteers were recruited from each county to work toward the goal of having a statewide center.

The center, Arden Shisler, president and CEO of the Dalton-based K&B Transport, and a member of Nationwide’s Board of Directors, said the training center will be a place where volunteer leaders will be trained to lead "Ohio youth into the future."

There are currently more than 286,000 youth and more than 30,000 volunteers involved in Ohio 4-H programs.

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