The Michigan Division of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association received the Michigan 4-H Citation Award at the 4-H Town and Country Gala in Grand Rapids Oct. 3.
Since its inception in 1946, the Michigan 4-H Citation Award, the highest recognition presented by Michigan 4-H, has honored and recognized individuals and organizations whose contributions to and support of MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development programs have significantly advanced the work of Michigan 4-H on a multicounty, regional, statewide and/or national basis. The contributions of honorees have served to expand the capacity of Michigan 4-H to make positive impacts on the lives of Michigan’s young people in significant and meaningful ways. This awardee is recognized by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
The Michigan Division of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association and its many branches have provided both philanthropic and volunteer support for 4-H programs for more than 60 years. It raised support to send the first Michigan International 4-H Youth Exchange participant, Russ Mawby, to Great Britain in 1948 and has funded youth and young adult travel scholarships every year since that time.
The organization for many years afterwards made Michigan 4-H programs a priority. Grants from the Michigan Farm and Garden Foundation helped to build both Kettunen Center and the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens. The organization continues to provide college scholarships for 4-H youth and young adults who are pursuing careers in the agricultural and family sciences.
Members served as founding members of the board of the Michigan 4-H Foundation in 1952, and WNF&GA, Michigan Division, representation continues on the foundation’s board today. Rural-urban chair Claudia J. Scioly is serving as president of the foundation’s board for the 2013 and 2014 fiscal years.
In 2008, the organization was recognized as a key partner of MSU Extension in honor of the establishment of an endowed fund to provide perpetual support for 4-H youth development programs and programs that advance the well-being of families. In 2014, its national centennial year, the organization celebrated by surpassing the $100,000 mark in gifts to grow this endowed fund.
Members of the Michigan Division of the WNF&GA have been foundation supporters from the beginning. They continue their support through annual gifts today and have ensured support for 4-H youth development programs well into the future.
For more information about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org. Michigan 4-H Youth Development is the youth-serving program of Michigan State University Extension. More than 200,000 youth are involved in 4-H with the support of 20,000 adult volunteers. For more information about Michigan 4-H, visit www.4h.msue.msu.edu.