BlueF o u n d a t i o n

Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation NewsletterF A L L 2 0 2 0

RibbonI O W A S T A T E F A I R

2 Noted, No Fair - I Do Care!

3 Big Challenges,

Bigger Vision

4-5 Gift Ideas

6 Spirit of Generosity

7 2020 Internships

Planned Giving

8 Mailbox, Donor Profile

Index

ARobin TaylorAssistant Director

This unique summer has shown us how much we have to appreciate.

A WellFullWe never know the worth of water until the well is dry.

B E N J A M I N F R A N K L I N

Growing up, the “Points to Ponder”, “Quotable Quotes” and “Laughter the Best Medicine” sections were the first pages I would read in my dad’s Reader’s Digest magazine. There was always something that would make me laugh or cause me to reflect, plus it gave me a heads up on jokes my dad might be telling in the

future. Since then I’ve always been drawn to words and phrases, so when I read the quote above, it seemed very fitting for the year 2020.

For most of us, a summer without the Iowa State Fair had never crossed our minds, until it happened. When that sad announcement was made there were tears shed in our office but then we started looking at what we could do instead. So we…

• Created the “Big Challenges - Bigger Vision” campaign to make sure renovation and improvement projects continue to move forward. Thank you to all who have participated so far.

• Developed the “No Fair – I Do Care! Benefit Auction”, our first ever online event. The response was outstanding and we raised as much as we do for the Corndog Kickoff’s silent auction.

• Sold 2020 collectible merchandise online and were simply blown away by the response. Sales were amazing and kept us busy shipping out boxes daily in August and September. Our thanks to everyone who made a purchase!

• Provided volunteer opportunities at the Taste of the Fair and Special Edition Livestock Show events. Thank you to everyone who signed up to work a shift.

Ultimately, this unique summer has shown us how much we have to appreciate.

• Our co-workers who are creative and come up with new events such as the Special Edition Livestock Show and virtual Fair programming. These are the same people who stepped up to fill the gaps in staffing by pulling weeds, mowing acres of grass, making cookies and working the gates.

• Our seasonal staff and interns who were not able to work this year. Oh how we have missed your help and comradery.

• Local businesses who developed their own fundraisers in support of the Foundation’s mission or helped promote the programs created in lieu of the Iowa State Fair.

• Our volunteers who truly make the Iowa State Fair run. Your hours of dedication are at the heart of what makes the Iowa State Fair a success. We missed seeing you and catching up.

• Our Iowa State Fair supporters. You are truly what makes the Iowa State Fair the best in the nation. Thank you for your passion and love of our state’s biggest and best tradition.

2020 you have handed us a lot we did not expect but I know our “Fair” well is not completely dry because you, our Fair fans, have demonstrated your love and support even without an Iowa State Fair. Thank you for this. Now we can all look forward to 2021 and the most appreciated Iowa State Fair ever! With that in mind, I’ll leave you with a point to ponder from the Reader’s Digest, “Why does mineral water that has supposedly trickled through mountains for centuries, go out of date in a few months?” Let’s ponder this one together at a water booth in August 2021.

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Noted!Noted!

StaffStaff

• SAVE THE DATES Corndog Kickoff:

Saturday, July 10

Iowa State Fair: August 12-22

• Community Choice Credit Union donated $5,952.50 to the Blue Ribbon Foundation

this summer by selling unique physical

distancing Butter Cow shirts. Thank

you for your support.

• Thank you to the Aveda Institute Des Moines for holding

a Salon Blue Ribbon Community

Fundraising Event in August and

donating $1,269 to the Foundation.

CALL 515-262-3111 Ext. 371

EMAIL Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org

MAIL

P.O. Box 57130 | Des Moines, IA 50317

While the Blue Ribbon Foundation was unable to hold the traditional Corndog Kickoff in July, Fair-lovers gathered virtually for the “No Fair – I Do Care!” Benefit Auction. With overwhelming support, together we took the bushel of lemons we’d been handed and made some sweet lemonade! The benefit auction raised $65,560 for future Iowa State Fairgrounds improvements.

Many of our loyal Corndog Kickoff patrons continued to support our organization with donations. Volunteers also stepped up to help make the auction a reality. The packages were creative and featured many things we love about the state of Iowa and its State Fair.

2021 Iowa State Fair Grandstand concert tickets, VIP parking, a camping spot and State Fair t-shirt pillows were popular items included in the auction. Many of these items will be up for bid again at the 2021 Corndog Kickoff scheduled for Saturday, July 10.

Topping the list and breaking a fundraising record was the sale of the out-of-state deer tag; raising $20,000. We wish the buyer the best of luck this hunting season.

Whether you won a package or not, your participation and support made a difference. Thank you.

A special thank you to the auction donors and volunteers.AUCTION DONORS:2 Crazy Redheads Abounding Grace DesignsAmbriz JewelryAmy ReynoldsBabs WaldropBig Daddy’s BBQ SauceBig Sky BreadBinning OriginalsBirdhouses by Camillio MarascoBonanzaBrown Dogs FarmBuck Jones - Illustrator, Inc.Capital City FruitCasey’s General StoresChalkboard Love Door HangersCheryl WionChris & Margo FoxClara Ruth ScarvesClaudia KingCookies Food ProductsCurtis & Diane ClaeysDan & Leanne LivengoodDana ConleyDavidson StudioDeb ZumbachDebi SpillerDenia PhippsDenison Mustard CompanyDenny & Janis HillDes Moines BaconDon YoungDough CrazyDuane & Shirley ClarkEast Village SpaElysa KossFairywings Jewelry & GemsFriedrichs Coffee

Gary & Cindy CheneyGet Creative {Sewing}Gigi’s Shabby CottageGilroy’s Kitchen-Pub-PatioGlass OpticsGloria StinsonGolf Cars of Iowa Gourley BrothersGrant & Tennette CarlsonGreat Caterers of IowaHandmade at Barn

Swallow Farm Hey Darling CollectiveInspired FindsIowa Department of

Natural Resources Iowa Foundation for

Agricultural Advancement Iowa Operating Engineers

Joint Apprenticeship & Training Fund

Iowa Orthodontic SolutionsIowa Rustic IronIt’s Sew TemptingJane KroghJannie’s GemsJean SaveraidJeanne NewellJeff & Meg CourterJeff Crise, Josh Crise

& Amanda Busch Jeff Tadsen ArtJett & Monkey’sJim MartinJoyful Heart DesignsKaren BrockelsbyKerry Johnson WorksKingwood Farm

Little Children’s BoutiqueLittle Store on the FarmLotta Pop Popcorn Lucy’s Sew BizMarcia WingMark & Renee LaneMark IwigMaytag Dairy FarmsMeads Beads BoutiqueMelanie CoilMelanie WallaceMelody HunterMG PhotographyMidwest Foods, Inc.Mr. FudgeNancy Simmons CraftsNAPA Des MoinesOur Iowa MagazinePasta on the PrairiePay-LESS Office SuppliesPerry Golf & Country ClubPurple Poppy Boutique -

AnkenyQuilted Gardens NurseryQuilting by JaneRandol Honey FarmRay Family FarmsRaygunRed Boot DistilleryRed Door PressReiman GardensRobbin McClellandRoger & Kathy DavidsonRosemary FeeRoss Street RoastingScience Center of IowaScott MasonShelly Grady Designs

StashfulSteph’s Sewing and CraftsSticks Inc.Sue BatySusan Middleton ElyaTake Ten CreationsThe Brass ArmadilloThe Brenton ArboretumThe Cocoa Exchange -

Sherree AdamsThe Learning PostThe Paisley Palette &

Sue B. Creations, Inc.The Soapy Goat LadyThe Vinyl Studio Think. Dream. Cree8University of Iowa Athletic

DepartmentVaughn FarmsWakonda ClubWarm FizziesWendy Sorensen PhotographyWhimsy BitsYour Private Bar

VOLUNTEERS:Elaine AnsleyShirley ClarkMargo FoxDan LivengoodRobbin McClellandKatie MillerDebi SpillerDebbie Stewart

The Blue Ribbon Foundation staff consists of four full-time employees.

Peter Cownie, Executive Director, oversees the entire operation.

Robin Taylor, Assistant Director, tracks all accounting

records, orders Fair merchandise and directs the auction portion of

the Corndog Kickoff.

Meg Courter, Sponsorship Director, coordinates all

sponsorships for the Iowa State Fair and the Corndog Tax Checkoff.

Drew Sniezek, Communications Manager, organizes giving

programs and oversees all communications and event planning.

I DO CARENo FairB E N E F I T A U C T I O N R E C A P

The Iowa State Fair has faced many challenges throughout its history – competing fairs, war, economic hardship and deteriorating buildings are just a few. But you, our Fair family, have never given up on the Iowa State Fair; forever encouraging us to continue, to improve and to think of the future. In honor of all of those who have helped make our Fair the best in the nation, the Blue Ribbon Foundation created the “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” fundraising campaign.

It is a big challenge! The Iowa State Fairgrounds spans 445 acres with more than 40 buildings, some of which were constructed in the early 1900s. Mix in a million visitors and Iowa’s weather, and the amount of wear and tear adds up quickly. The Fairgrounds requires constant maintenance to keep these great historic structures in top-notch condition.

Our vision is to have a Fairgrounds that is not only a showcase for the Iowa State Fair but one that draws people in every day of the year. We want visitors to find the Fairgrounds an attractive,

user-friendly location for year round events. Maintaining our infrastructure is all part of the service and pride the Fairgrounds brings to the east side, the metro area and to the state of Iowa. Yet there are many areas of the Fairgrounds that still need attention. Restrooms that need upgrading, barns needing repairs and countless other projects to keep our beloved Fairgrounds in the best condition possible.

We have a shared vision and the Blue Ribbon Foundation will strive to continue improving the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds so it will be the envy of the nation – now and for future generations. Thank you for being an essential part of our story.

Thank you to the following donors that are taking on the challenge and sharing our vision for the future! The Blue Ribbon Foundation will continue the “Big Challenges – Bigger Vision” fundraising campaign throughout 2020.

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Deane AdamsDawn AndereggChristine BaileyDaniel BartlettLyndle and Roberta BittingCharles and Donna BogaardPam BradfordLee and Carol BrentlingerDavid and Joyce BrownRandy BrownCasey’s General Stores, Inc.Curtis and Diane ClaeysTony ClarkLaMonte and Jean CombsDeanna ConnollyFloyd and Bonnie ConstantPeter and Mary CownieDale and Eunice CoxDaniel CretorsSteve and Jeanine CruickshankLarry and Debbie CurtisLoyal and Linda DorrKevin and Jan DoughertyBette DryerJean DusenberryAmy DuttonNola EdwardsCrista EischeidRandy and Becky ElsberndKevin and Mary EmgeNanette EverlyJames and Dagni FalveyLydia FineEvelyn Fisher

James and Sue FisherCindy FleischackerCharles and Angela FordSue FrambachJohn and Jane FrimmlFrank and Judith GaleRex and Nancy GamesDavid and Mary GieseChris and Patricia GilroyBob and Lori GilroyWilliam GodeGarth GrafftKathryn GriffinLinda GroenendykJuanita GustinMark HansenCarolyn HansonKaren HayesPaul and Deb HayesClete and Sheila HeimJim and Leah Rae HighlyArthur and Sharon HitzSid and Lois HotoppCarolyn HoveDarold JacobsonDennis and Norma JohnsonCraig and Beverly KimptonClarence and Rosalie KinneyMichelle KoellingLarry and Betty KriedbergKSCanuck LLCJerry and Vicki LageKevin and LaCretia LageFranklin and Lois Lappin

Kipp and Nancy LarsenDavid and Karen LongWilliam LoweMarion and Fran LucasLorry LuscriKaren LuscriArlene LynchJune LynchMax and Janet MarshallRichard and Mary McCallLinda McClureJane McCombsBarry and JoAnn McKibbenGary and Beverly McKnightDave and Anne MerschmanMarijane MillerDavid and Peggy MillerBarbara MillerMike and Joan MinnihanConnie NealJim and Chris NearyLaura NelsenDavid and Karen NormanLeonard and Linda NorthwayKay PeifferGreg PeifferCarroll and Cynthia PetersonJoan PilkingtonLouise PiperDon and Carolyn PoffenbargerJoe and Kara PollpeterDwight and Erin PorterRobert and Marianne QuintyDean and Jeanene Redlinger

Robert and Mary RitzAndrew SchmitzSherry SearsGail Sheridan-LuchtBruce and Barb ShermanMelvin and Linda ShivversSteve and Donna SimmonsDon and Jennifer SlagleLori SlingsJames and Vista SmidBarbara StaggsGlenn and Ginger SterkFrances StetsonCarolyn StewartWilliam and Faye StullJames and Karen TaylorRon TaylorTom and Terri TaylorThe Dental PracticeGlenda ThompsonTom and Rosie TraynorDoran and Cora Van RheenenJoyce VanderleestNorman and Sherry Veldhuizen

Melvin and Kathryn Weatherwax

John and Geri WilliamsonWilliam and Evelyn WrightTeresa ZangerleMark and Deanna ZiinoLarry and Kathleen Zimpleman

Teresa Zmolek-Canada

BIGGERVISIONBig Challenges

Yes I want to support the Big Challenges – Bigger Vision Campaign.

o $25 o $50 o $100 o $250 o $500 o $1,000 o $2,500

o Check enclosed o Card #: ______________________________________________Exp: _______________CVV _______________

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________ State:__________________ ZIP: ___________________________

Phone: _________________________________Email:_____________________________________________________________

515-262-3111 Ext. 371 • Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org • www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org

StoreIowa State FairThe Blue Ribbon Foundation manages the merchandise sold in the State Fair Store. Profits directly benefit the Foundation’s goal of raising funds to help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Check out these highlighted items or look online at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org for a full list of available merchandise. Thank you for shopping and supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

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Under $25 = $9; $26 – $50 = $10$51 – $75 = $11; Over $76 = $12

Please send with payment to: Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon FoundationP.O. Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317 • or call: 1-800-450-3732

Shipping

Total

Qty. Item Description Price Total

1. Butter Cow 12-inch Butter Cow stuffed animal $15.00

2. Cookbook 20th Edition Prize-Winning Recipes Cookbook. The book features select ribbon-winning recipes from the 2018 and 2019 Iowa State Fairs. $15.00

3. Fairfield & Friends: Ribbon Quest

From cookie decorating to butter sculpting, follow the adventures of Fairfield, the Iowa State Fair’s mascot, as he tries to win a ribbon. Fairfield learns about being a good friend and trying new things. This book is a light, easy-to-read lesson in good sportsmanship.

$15.00

4. Isabel Bloom Sculpture The 2020 piece is a wooly sheep with a blue Iowa State Fair ribbon. $30.00

5. Lapel Pin The 2020 pin represents a cup of warm Barksdale’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. $5.00

6. Ornament Add this Barksdale Chocolate Chip Cookie bucket to your ornament collection. $18.00

7. PuzzleCustom 350-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring a beautiful scenic sunset picture of the Grand Concourse. This double-sided puzzle has an engraved brick pad on the opposite side.

$15.00

8. Socks

Never wear boring socks again with these one-of-a-kind Iowa State Fair socks. Featuring the Butter Cow or chocolate chip cookies. Butter Cow – Ladies or Mens (Circle One)Chocolate Chip Cookies – Ladies or Mens (Circle One)

$5.00

9. Sweatshirt Blue and gray full zip sweatshirt with hood. “Iowa State Fair” embroidered on the left chest. Adult Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL $38.00

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________ City________________________ State __________ ZIP _______________

Phone____________________________________________ Email________________________________________________

q Credit q Check Card #___________________________________________________________Exp.____________________

Security Code___________________Signature____________________________________________________________________

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GenerositySpirit of

The traditions of the Iowa State Fair are deeply rooted in the spirit of Iowa. From displaying the best in agriculture, providing world-class entertainment and bringing people together in celebration – the Iowa State Fair inspires hard work, creativity and pride.

The Iowa State Fair’s ability to attract people from all backgrounds and encour-age youth involvement is at the heart of our Fair’s success. The Fair is proud to play a role in helping youth develop not only their knowledge but also their character. It takes hard work and dedication to see a project evolve from an idea to a Fair entry, just as it takes hard work, leadership and character to build a business, a community and a nation.

The “Spirit of Generosity” giving program is designed to honor the character and generous spirit of Iowans. Located in the west atrium of the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, the “Spirit of Generosity” panel is a representation of Iowa, demonstrating how independent pieces come together to create our great state and its Fair.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation invites you to support our mission to renovate and preserve the Iowa State Fairgrounds, keeping it a place where future generations can showcase their talents. With six suggested giving levels starting at $100, each donation will be recognized on the panel. The deadline to have your donor wall inscription placed for the Iowa State Fair is March 31. More information is available on our website, www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

Order Form

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________________ State: ____________________ ZIP Code: __________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Donor Levels – Recognition at all levels will include name and city/state. The level of donation will determine the font size of recognition on the panel. To be listed on the panel, a minimum $100 donation is required.

o My check for $________________ is enclosed.

Make check payable to: Blue Ribbon Foundation

o Please charge my o VISA / o MasterCard

o Discover / o American Express

for the following giving level:

o $100 o $1,000 o $5,000 o $10,000

o $500 o $2,500 o Other_____________

Card #:____________________________________________

Exp:_______________________ CVV _____________________

Signature:__________________________________________

I would like my inscription to read:*

First Name(s): ________________________________________

Last Name(s): ________________________________________

City, State: __________________________________________

*Each line should not exceed 25 characters.

Detach and mail the completed form with payment to:

Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon FoundationPO Box 57130Des Moines, IA 50317

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InternshipsBlue Ribbon Foundation 2 0 2 1

he Blue Ribbon Foundation will again offer its internship program for college students. These internships provide a hands-on opportunity to

exercise organizational, administrative and creative skills while obtaining significant experience in business, communication, marketing, event planning and sponsorship management.

There are openings for two spring semester/summer interns and two summer interns. This is not your typical internship.

Each intern will be a true member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team, working directly with staff, coordinating select projects and making sure committed donors have a strong and lasting relationship with the Iowa State Fair.

If you know a hard working, motivated college student who loves the Fair, make sure they are aware of the Foundation’s internship opportunities for 2021. Visit our website at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org to learn more about this program.

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An Affordable Way to Make a Big Impact If there’s one thing we can count on in life, it’s change. Life’s constant changes can make it difficult to balance caring for your family and supporting the organizations you value. Fortunately, there’s a solution. Instead of giving a fixed amount to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, consider gifting a percentage of your estate, retirement account, life insurance policy or donor advised fund.

PERCENTAGE GIVING AND YOUR WILLIf you want to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission in your will, there are two ways to do so with a percentage gift:

1.) Gift a percentage of your estate in your will or living trust.

2.) Leave the Blue Ribbon Foundation a percentage of your residual estate (the portion of your estate that remains after all claims of the estate are settled).

DONATE A PERCENTAGE OF OTHER ASSETSYou can also support the Iowa State Fair in your future plans by naming the Blue Ribbon Foundation a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets, life insurance or donor advised fund. Naming us as a beneficiary is as easy as filling out and returning a piece of paper.

1.) Request a copy of the change-of-beneficiary form from your provider (or download a copy from their website).

2.) Fill out the form, naming the Blue Ribbon Foundation, along with the percentage you’d like us to receive, on the form.

3.) Sign and return the form to your plan administrator, insurance company or sponsoring organization. Be sure to keep a copy for your records as well.

4.) Notify us of your gift so we can thank you for your support and welcome you to the Champion’s Circle.

EVERY GIFT MATTERSGifts of all sizes, from 1 to 100 percent, make a difference. Please contact Robin Taylor at 515- 262-3111 Ext. 373 or Robin@BlueRibbonFoundation.org if you have any questions about naming the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation a beneficiary in your plans.

The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.

“ I ordered five of the new Iowa State Fair cookbooks! Keeping one for myself and gifting the others to my daughter and granddaughters. We all love the Iowa State Fair and cooking. Can’t wait to try the new recipes.”

C A R O L S A U E R SSigourney, IA

“I live in Atlanta now, but I was born and raised in Des Moines and Iowa will always remain my true home. There is nothing like the Iowa State Fair, anywhere! Even without the event this year, we are very glad to have the opportunity to offer our support by ordering 2020 No Fair t-shirts. Looking forward to next year.”

M A R I A N N E K L O C K S I E M Atlanta, GA

Mailbox

P.O. Box 57130DES MOINES, IA 50317

Donor Profile: Iowa Department of Natural Resources icture frogs, toads, turtles and a popular outdoor pond with ducks, geese and swans. Envision large aquariums featuring live fish that can be found in Iowa’s lakes and streams.

If you aren’t imaging the Iowa State Fairgrounds in August, you should be!

Iowa wildlife is represented on the Fairgrounds because of the Iowa State Fair’s partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. With a dedicated building on the west end of Grand Avenue, visitors can learn about conservation, recreation and the environment.

The DNR Courtyard features live programming about shed antler hunting, motion cameras for hunting and even tips for training your new hunting dog. Fairgoers can even learn archery skills in the outdoor archery exhibit. All of these skills could come in handy for our donors because the Blue Ribbon Foundation has its own unique partnership with the Iowa DNR.

Since 2014, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has received a non-resident deer tag to auction off at our annual benefit auction. This special deer license consists of one “any sex deer” license and one “antlerless only deer” license and tag. The winning bidder picks the season to hunt and their legal weapon of choice. The deer tag is good statewide.

During this year’s “No Fair – I Do Care” online benefit auction, the deer tag sold for a record $20,000! Over the last 7 years, hunters from Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Virginia have all been top bidders. The Blue Ribbon Foundation has raised a total $83,750 from the sale of the deer tag since we started auctioning the item in 2014. Half the proceeds from the sale stay with the Foundation, while the other half is donated back to the DNR for conservation efforts. It’s a win-win for both organizations.

If you have an out-of-state hunting buddy that would like to test his or her skills in Iowa, keep next year’s Corndog Kickoff in mind. We plan to auction off another non-resident deer tag. It is a perfect way to enjoy your hobby while supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation and Iowa’s great outdoors.

Thank you to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for your continued support of our organization.

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