Oxford County 4-H Receives $25,000 from King Foundation
Contact: Susan Jennings, Extension Educator, P (207) 743-6329, F (207) 743-0373, susanj@umext.maine.edu
SOUTH PARIS, ME — The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation recently pledged $25,000 to support the wide array of 4-H activities in Oxford County. At the beginning of the year, area leaders embarked on a campaign to endow UMaine Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program in Oxford County. To date they have raised over one hundred thousand dollars of their quarter-million-dollar goal.
“This is a fantastic development for our campaign,” said Extension Educator Susan Jennings. “The Kings’ generosity brings us that much closer to ensuring that the 4-H program will always be here for the children of Oxford County.”
UMaine Extension’s 4-H program in Oxford County provides after-school programs and local club involvement as well as connections to national 4-H events and trips. Thanks to the concerted efforts of staff and volunteers, Oxford County youth have the opportunity to explore interests, gain valuable life skills, and even travel the world through the 4-H Exchange Program. The Oxford County 4-H Endowment will guarantee that future generations of area youth will continue to benefit from a 4-H education.
“This donation is exciting on so many levels,” remarked Fred Schlutt, Executive Director of the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation. “It is a handsome gift that is greatly appreciated by everyone in 4-H, but the fact that it came from the Kings helps legitimize our cause and gives the campaign a great momentum boost.”
UMaine Extension’s 4-H program grew out of early 20th-century boys and girls clubs, which were folded into the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s work in 1914. Since that date, 4-H has continued to set the standard in youth development, helping Maine’s young people acquire the knowledge, life skills, leadership abilities, and attitudes necessary for lifetime success. Young people can become involved in 4-H through school enrichment programs, 4-H camps, and county UMaine Cooperative Extension offices.
4-H is University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s youth development program. The Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization that provides financial and organizational support to 4-H clubs throughout Maine.