The 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County had their 7^th annual BBQ fundraiser at Sarales’s Vineyard and Richard’s Grove on September 17^th.  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 community support for the 4-H program in Sonoma County is as strong as ever.

This year’s theme was “Happiness is….Head, Hands, Heart,, and Health.” The event showcased the apple heritage of the county, and included an antique apple delivery truck festooned with cases of apples, a Charles Shultz statue of Lucy holding her blue ribbon apple pie, an “appletini” signature drink, and numerous apple varieties to sample from Walker Apple Farms. Dinner was delicious with BBQ chicken and tri-tip. Dessert was apple crisp courtesy of the Piner High School Culinary program, topped with Screamin’ Mimi’s vanilla ice cream.

Sonoma county 4H Color Guard

A 4-H horse color guard presented the flags and national anthem before the live auction kicked into high gear. New this year was the Golden Ticket Lottery, with a 1-in-60 chance to win a live auction item of your choice before the bidding started. Tickets sold out quickly. Paddles were raising quickly for exclusive dinners, trips to Disneyland and Alaska, and even a minature-donkey!

Happy Sonoma county 4H youth

The Fund-A-Need Scholarship drive raised over $8000 this year. This year’s Shining Star award was presented to foundation director Sam McMillan, who has devoted countless hours of service to foundation and 4-H program.  The 4-H Alumni Award was presented to Jennifer Bice, owner of Redwood Hill Farms, a nationally acclaimed goat dairy in Sonoma County that started as a 4-H project over 40 years ago.  Joseph Stefenoni, a recent 4-H graduate who is currently attending college, spoke to the dinner audience about his 4-H experience and the difference it has made in his life. When asked about the success of the event, Executive Director Susan Hansen commented  “We may be faced with challenging economic times, but the success of the BBQ just shows you that our community has its priorities straight: always support youth development, because our future depends on it.”

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 a BBQ and lots of fun activites!!  You won’t want to miss it!!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you for your continued support,

Susan Hansen
Executive Director
4-H Foundation of Sonoma County
(707) 239-3920

Start Time: 8:00
Date: 2010-03-27
End Time: 11:30