NORWAY – The 4-H Youth Development program is nearing the formal kickoff of its ambitious campaign to raise $250,000 next year for a trust fund to support future programs for Oxford County young people.
Susan Jennings, extension educator at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, said Monday that a number of fund-raisers will be held next year by a large number of 4-H clubs in Oxford County, including clubs in Fryeburg, Bethel and Rumford.
4-H Youth Development, which is part of University of Maine Cooperative Extension, focuses on leadership skills and development by providing programs that support the goals and aspirations of young people. Programs include arts programs, career education programs, and high school leadership teams.
The campaign formally kicks off Jan. 1 and will run through 2006. “There will be auctions, car washes, bottle drives, all kinds of things,” Jennings said. “It’s up to the club. Our goal is to raise this money to begin a fund for Oxford County kids.”
Additionally, Jennings said raising money for the trust fund will provide learning opportunities about investing for young people.
The trust fund will be established to support 4-H clubs as well as after-school programs, community service teams, career education and leadership projects.
Some money has already been raised. The Oxford County 4-H Teen Exchange Club raised $1,000 for the fund and the Oxford County Leaders Association gave $5,000.
Jennings said the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation, which supports 4-H programs across the state, also is supporting the campaign in a number of ways, including help with mailings. Some local businesses in Oxford County have donated money to the foundation in support of the trust fund, she said.
Anyone interested in supporting the campaign may contact Jennings at 743-6329.
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