Highlights

New 4-H Photography Fund Off to Strong Start!

“Picture yourself . . .” That’s the theme of the new Wisconsin 4-H Photography Endowment Fund. Wayne Brabender, Wisconsin 4-H Photography State Specialist, announced that the endowment is off to a great start, thanks to generous donations from friends of 4-H photography, UW-Extension and 4-H staff, 4-H photo volunteers and youth, and county fair photo judges. "We've set our goal high: $100,000 in five years. And we're already over a fourth of the way there!"

Over 10,000 Wisconsin youth take the 4-H photo project each year, making it the largest 4-H project area in the state. Participants are led by 550 dedicated adult and youth volunteers. “It’s one of the largest 4-H photo projects in the country, and I’d argue, the best. We want to keep it that way,” said Brabender.

For nearly 100 years 4-H arts projects like photography have helped Wisconsin young people become more creative and self-confident, he said. “4-H’ers can also improve their ability to communicate, make decisions, and lead . . . skills they will use every day for the rest of their lives, on and off the job. Our society needs young people who have these skills.”

Brabender said a recent statewide 4-H arts and communication survey confirmed the importance of these creative opportunities for kids.

“The survey also confirmed the importance to families because kids and parents enjoy the photo activities together. The family that photographs together, stays together! But because of budget cuts, schools have been cutting back on the arts. So, if 4-H doesn’t provide these opportunities, who will?” he asked.

How will kids and leaders benefit from the new photo endowment fund? According to Brabender, income earned on the principal of the fund will be used to:

• Maintain a highly successful statewide program of 4-H photo trainings
• Develop new photo training resources and opportunities for 4-H photo volunteers
• Market the photo program to new and diverse 4-H members and leaders
• Provide photo program scholarships for kids and leaders in need

Serving as youth spokesperson for the new campaign is Ashley Viste, Door County 4-H photo member and youth leader. She’s a sophomore at UW-Madison and a board member for the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation. “Last summer, Ashley worked as a photo intern at the White House in Washington, D.C.,” said Brabender. “She has a great story to tell about her 4-H photography experience and she energizes our campaign.”

To make a tax-deductible contribution to the 4-H photo fund, just write a check to the Wisconsin 4-H Photography Endowment Fund. Send it to the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, 428 Lowell Hall, 610 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53703. For gifts of $500 or more, Brabender will send one of his favorite photos of the Wisconsin Capitol as a thank you.

You can also contribute online through the UW Foundation website. Under “Designation,” you’ll need to select “UW-Extension - 4-H Foundation.” Where it asks, “If you would like to further restrict your gift to a specific department or program,” write in “Wisconsin 4-H Photo Fund.”

For more information and campaign materials, check out the photo endowment fund page on the Wisconsin 4-H web site: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/events/PhotoFund.cfm.

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