Combined, the 4th Annual Golf Tournament, Dream Dinner Lottery, and the "Friends of 4-H Fundraiser" have generated over $80,000 for the 4-H program.

The Ontario 4-H Foundation's 4th Annual Golf Tournament, held at the end of May, raised over $31,000. This very popular event has become recognised as a premier opportunity to meet with a wide range of organisation and company representatives from the agricultural and rural community, while at the same time supporting the 4-H program.

"These funds are crucial for the development and delivery of the 4-H program, which last year enabled almost 7000 young people across Ontario to participate in over 13,000 different projects," said Carolyn McDonell, Co-Chair. Funds raised from the Golf Tournament are allocated to the Ontario 4-H Foundation Endowment Fund ensuring the long-term financial viability of the Ontario 4-H program. Over the last four years more than $100,000 has been raised for the 4-H program through the golf tournaments.

Strong sponsor support was and always is a key reason for the success of the Golf Tournament. Title Sponsors for the event were Avonbank Farm Equipment Ltd, Penfor Construction, and Advanced Dairy Systems Ltd. BMO Nesbitt Burns and Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. were the Patron Sponsors. Sponsoring the golf carts were GROWMARK and Land O' Lakes Feeds. AGRICORP's popular putting competition contributed to the day's success again this year.

The proceeds from the Friends of 4-H Fundraiser and the Ontario 4-H Council's Dream Dinner Lottery were split between the 53 local 4-H Associations and 4-H Ontario. Each of the 4-H Associations in Ontario received substantial funds to be used for local 4-H programming activities in 2004.

The Friends of 4-H Fundraiser was held in April at the Country Heritage Park in Milton. The event raised approximately $22,000 during the evening, which included live and silent auctions. The evening was organised by a small group of dedicated volunteers from Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Gencor, Holstein Ontario, Ontario Cattlemen's Association and Ontario Jersey.

At the Fundraiser, Donald Good from Ottawa was fortunate to be announced as the winner of the Dream Dinner Lottery. Over $50,000 in tickets were sold through the Dream Dinner Lottery, which saw the winner awarded a gourmet meal for two anywhere in the world. Mr. Good is a lawyer specialising in agricultural issues, and is planning to visit Australia for his special meal.

In 2005, 4-H Ontario will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary. In 2003, almost 7000 young people between the ages of 10 and 21 participated in over 13,000 different projects. Through the dedication of over 1500-screened volunteers, members participate in a variety of projects, where the emphasis is on hands-on learning and fun. 4-H Ontario is dedicated to the personal development of young people by developing their self-confidence and teaching them skills in leadership, public speaking and team building.

For more information on 4-H Ontario visit the website via Related Resources or call 1-877-410-6748.

Courtesy Of Ian Rumbles, Communications Co-ordinator 4-H Ontario