COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation’s 75th anniversary celebration, the Clover Gala, raised more than $117,000 on Oct. 5 in Columbia, drawing participants and supporters from across the state.

The Clover Gala is the centerpiece of the foundation’s 75th anniversary celebrations, bringing together generations of 4-H alumni and supporters to support 4-H programs, academic scholarships and travel opportunities for youths across Missouri, said Rachel Augustine, senior director of advancement for University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri 4-H Foundation. The celebration kicked off in May and will continue through early 2025.

Presenting sponsors of the Clover Gala were FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Electric Cooperatives and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.

“On Oct. 10, 1949, a group of 4-H alumni and friends established the Missouri 4-H Foundation to secure funds for the program’s future,” Augustine said. “In the 75 years since, the foundation has been instrumental in empowering generations of young people to become confident, capable and compassionate leaders. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we reflect on our rich history of service and look forward to the countless opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to inspire and empower Missouri’s youth.”

The Clover Gala hosted the debut of a new video highlighting the impact 4-H has had across generations.

“The Missouri 4-H Foundation financially supports their youth long after their 4-H age and their time in 4-H has expired,” said scholarship recipient Ethan Vanderwert. “The Missouri 4-H Foundation has had a large impact on my educational journey.”

Emerald sponsors for the Clover Gala included Rachel and Adam Augustine; Cargill; Community State Bank and Earl Niemeyer; David Baker and Robin Walker; E.M. Burger Foundation; FCI Advisors & Midwest Trust; Joyce Taylor-Friends of 4-H; Kyle Kerns; MFA Inc.; Missouri Corn; Missouri Pork Association; Missouri AfterSchool Network; MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and MU Extension; and Turner Elkins Brigham families.

Missouri 4-H alum Shannon McKain emceed the evening, sharing the microphone with auctioneer Dusty Thornhill of Troy. Together, they kicked off the “75 for 75” campaign, encouraging 4-H alumni and friends to contribute $75 to the future of 4-H programs across Missouri in honor of the foundation’s 75th anniversary. Visit https://mizzou.us/TheCloverFund to help carry the legacy forward.

The Clover Gala committee was led by chair Dana Brown Haynes and included Rachel Augustine, David Baker, Nancy Barcus, Samantha Davis, Darla Eggers, Mark Goth, Wendy Hall, Clay Hurdle, Bob Idel, Kyle Kerns, Kristie Larson, Wendy Lodges, Laura Long, Lance Martin, Shannon McKain, Earl Niemeyer, Ruth Pirch, Dawn Shellabarger, Joyce Taylor, Christine Tew, Russ Weathers and Chris Willow. 

The Missouri 4-H Foundation offers more than 70 college scholarships to young people of all backgrounds and provides direct program support to the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. The foundation also manages a group of endowments underpinning the future of 4-H programs benefitting more than 50,000 4-H members and 1,200 4-H clubs across Missouri.

• Complete list of donors and supporters

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

About the Missouri 4-H Foundation

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is the independent philanthropic partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. For 75 years, the foundation has secured and managed funds for Missouri 4-H, providing higher education scholarships, recognizing 4-H volunteers and supporting the work of MU Extension 4-H. Learn more at 4h.missouri.edu/foundation.

Photo

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20241029-CloverGala.jpg
Shannon McKain with 4-H State Council member Bella Baker at the Missouri 4-H Foundation’s Oct. 5 Clover Gala. Photo by Marshall Danner.