News Alfa Donates $250,000 To Alabama 4-H Foundation

Alfa Donates $250,000 To Alabama 4-H Foundation

Alfa Donates $250,000 To Alabama 4-H Foundation
November 28, 2004 |

Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation have provided $250,000 to Alabama 4-H to support leadership and environmental educational programs taught to the state’s young people.The insurance company’s gift will ensure that all Alabama’s school children will learn about environmental issues through programs taught by 4-H to children and school teachers, said Gaines Smith, interim director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, which administers 4-H.”Alfa and 4-H have been colleagues and partners for many, many generations and we appreciate Alfa’s support of 4-H through its recent gift,” Smith said. “4-H and Alfa are a strong combination, and we are grateful they remain committed partners with us.”Alfa Farmers President Jerry Newby said he is pleased Alfa is able to support such a worthwhile cause. “Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation are proud to support 4-Hers as they learn by doing,” Newby said. “For almost 100 years, 4-H has been helping Alabama’s young people develop skills and leadership abilities they can use throughout their lives. This gift is our way of helping 4-H fulfill its motto: ‘To Make the Best Better.'”Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc. Chairman Jack Odle, who is editor and vice president of Progressive Farmer magazine, praised Alfa’s commitment to the state’s young people.”Alfa realizes the difference programs taught by 4-H have on the lives of our youngsters, who grow up to become our state’s leaders and better informed citizens,” Odle said. “Alfa has provided a most generous gift so that, together, we can help the children of Alabama.”Alabama 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the state, with nearly 180,000 children participating in clubs, events and programs. 4-H’ers represent a broad spectrum: 64 percent are Caucasian and 36 percent are minorities; an equal number of boys and girls participate; and kids come from all socio-economic backgrounds and from cities as well as rural areas.One of Alabama 4-H’s core principlesis to cultivate life-development skills. In teaching each subject, 4-H instills the character values children need to be successful, productive citizens, Odle said. Alabama 4-H also teaches leadership skills. At the core of every 4-H curriculum is a commitment to developing the qualities that make children leaders. Many of Alabama’s current business and professional leaders claim 4-H participation as one of the fundamental reasons for their success, he added.All monies donated to 4-H support youth programs and activities, and are not spent on administrative expenses or salaries. 4-H is a division of Extension based at Auburn and Alabama A&M universities. Extension agents and more than 15,000 volunteers statewide provide programs to youth in Alabama.For information about the Alabama 4-H Foundation, or to make a donation, visit www.alabama4hfoundation.org.

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