Who We Are

The 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County, a non-profit 501c(3) corporation, was established in 1982 to support, promote and enhance the 4-H program in Sonoma County. Through the Foundation, 4-H clubs and county-wide projects, activities and events can apply for grants to enhance and benefit their 4-H work. Scholarships are available for youth to attend education conferences throughout California and the United States to enrich their lives. The Foundation is also proud to offer educational scholarships to promising young men and women to attend college and trade schools.

In 1994 the 4-H Foundation built the Sonoma County 4-H Center for the 4-H youth program. Located in Rohnert Park, the Center is used for club and county events and activities, training events for adult leaders and members, outreach activities and general 4-H meeting space. The multi-purpose room is capable of accommodating 300 people with flexibility to divide the space into 2 medium-sized rooms or 4 small rooms. The building has a kitchen, office space, outdoor space for miscellaneous educational events and activities and adequate parking. The Foundation continues to operate and maintain this 4-H Center.

The Foundation is administered by a Board of Directors representing 4-H, finance, education, business and agriculture.

The directors are:

Terri Balletto
Jim Bertoli
Clem Carinalli
John Cornolo
Jennifer Crane
Lynn Cunningham
Shirley Dempel
Tony Ghisla
Camilla Gray / Nelson
Kristie Gross
Debra Grove
Fred Groverman
Ben Hampton – youth director
Patrick Hinde – youth director
Saralee McClelland Kunde
Mike Leventini
Sam McMillan
Ann Carnalli-Middlebrook
Mike Nonella
Tom Parsons
Stephanie Larson-Praplan
Floyd Ridenhour
Greg Simpkins
Tim Tesconi

Directors Emeritus:
Elvira Lavell
Steve Olsen
Art Volkerts

Executive Director: Susan Hansen
Office Assistant: Kathryn Swango
Admin Asst: Mikela Nunley
Center Facilities Asst: Craig Azevedo

The board is committed to providing financial resources to enhance the 4-H youth program in Sonoma County. Donors can be assured that their contributions will be managed efficiently and distributed in a judicious manner.

THE SONOMA COUNTY 4-H program has provided quality “learn-by-doing” education to help young people develop life skills for over 75 years. Many of the county’s bankers, lawyers, business executives and civic leaders credit 4-H for their early training and leadership. Additionally, many Sonoma County farmers trace their agricultural beginnings to 4-H club work.

To inquire about the Sonoma County 4-H Program; its projects, events and activities call 707-565-2681 or go to www.ucanr.org/soco4h
For information about the 4-H program in California see http://wwwca4h.org

Comments on this entry are closed.

Latest News
- Success for 2011 BBQ Fundraiser!!
  The 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County had their 7th annual BBQ fundraiser at Sarales’s Vineyard and Richard’s Grove on September 17th. It was another beautiful day in the Russian River Valley, and another record breaking fundraiser for the Foundation. With more than 600 in attendance, and grossing over $100,000, the BBQ proved once again that [...]
- 2011 BBQ Alumni Recognition Award ~ Jennifer Bice
  Jennifer Lynn Bice, a former 4-H Club member hailed as a pioneer in California’s artisan cheese movement, is the 2011 recipient of the 4-H Alumni Recognition Award, presented by the 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County. Jennifer is the owner of Sebastopol’s Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, an internationally recognized cheese company that started as a 4-H [...]
- Grainger Foundation donates $10,000 for 2012 scholarship funds
  The 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County is excited to announce that we recently received a generous donation of $10,000 for scholarship funds from the Grainger Community Grant Program. These scholarship funds will be available to Sonoma County residents pursuing a career in Agriculture or Agri-Business. They must be entering or attending a college or trade school. [...]
- Sam McMillan 2011 Shining Star Award
  Sam McMillan, a longtime director of the 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County who quietly devotes hours and hours of his time to 4-H and the community, is the 2011 recipient of the Shining Star Award.
  The Shining Star Award, given by the 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County, recognizes a person who has made significant contributions to [...]
- Save the Date….Sept 15th, 2012 4-H Foundation Annual Fundraiser
  Title: BBQ Fundraiser at Saralee’s Vineyard and Richards Grove
  Location: Saralee’s Vineyard and Richards Grove 3-8pm
  Description: Save the Date- Saturday, September 15, 2012
  This BBQ will be a chance for all of the 4-H community to come together and raise money for the 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County. It will include a silent and live auction along with [...]
- Public Speaking..life skills being learned
  
  you will learn tips for being a better public speaker. You will learn how to make public presentations to large and small groups, and teach others through demonstrations and illustrated talks. In all 3 levels of this project, you will develop important skills and have fun learning about such things as encrypting codes, writing songs, [...]

Who We Are

Latest News