142 Year Old Community Fairgrounds Needs Your Support

Urgent Appeal: Help Us Save Our Fairgrounds—A Heart of Our Community!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts and a desperate plea for help. Our fairgrounds, a cherished community landmark that has stood for 142 years, is in crisis. Recently, we suffered a devastating betrayal when $367,000 was stolen by a board member we trusted. This shocking loss has put our beloved fairgrounds—and the vital programs that unite our families—at serious risk.

For generations, our fairgrounds have been more than just a venue; they are the heart of our community. They are where families come together to celebrate, to connect, and to create lasting memories. From the laughter of children at the annual fairs to the excitement of our open livestock shows, our fairgrounds have been the backdrop for countless cherished moments that strengthen our bonds as a community.

The 4-H programs empower our youth, teaching them essential values of leadership, responsibility, and hard work. These programs are not just about agriculture; they are about nurturing the next generation of leaders and instilling a sense of pride in our community. Our open livestock shows provide a platform for young participants to showcase their dedication and commitment, fostering a sense of accomplishment that resonates throughout their families and the community.

However, this recent betrayal has left us reeling. The theft of $367,000 has not only jeopardized our financial stability but has also shaken our trust in the very systems that have supported our families for so long. We are now faced with the daunting task of replacing what has been lost and rebuilding the trust of our community, and we cannot do it without your help.

We have implemented important changes to our operational procedures to prevent any future incidents that could have a significant impact on our organization. To enhance our financial oversight, we now require that all checks be signed by two board members, that are not the Treasurer. Additionally, moving forward, all monthly bank statements will be included with the Treasurer's reports to ensure greater transparency and accountability."

We Need Your Help—Now More Than Ever: To recover from this devastating loss and secure the future of our fairgrounds, we urgently need to raise $367,000. We want to be clear: we are not looking to profit from this situation; our goal is solely to replace the stolen funds that have shattered our trust and put our beloved programs in jeopardy. Your generous contributions will help us:

• Ensure that our facilities remain a safe and welcoming space for family gatherings and community celebrations.

• Continue offering essential programs and events that enrich our community and inspire our youth, ensuring that families can continue to experience the joy and learning that our fairgrounds provide.

• Rebuild the trust of our community, demonstrating that we can come together to overcome adversity and restore what has been lost.

How You Can Make a Difference:

1. Donate: Every dollar counts. No contribution is too small, and each one brings us closer to our goal. Your support can help us turn this crisis into an opportunity for renewal and growth for our families and community.

2. Share: Please share this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who know about our situation, the more support we can rally. Your voice can help us reach those who care about our community and want to make a difference for their families.

3. Engage: If you have connections to local businesses or organizations that might be willing to help, please encourage them to join our cause. Together, we can create a network of support that strengthens our community and uplifts our families.

Time is of the essence. We are at a critical juncture, and the future of our fairgrounds—and the families that rely on it—hangs in the balance. Together, we can overcome this challenge and ensure that our fairgrounds continue to thrive as a vibrant hub for community engagement, education, and celebration for generations to come. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential. We are deeply grateful for any assistance you can provide during this critical time.

Thank you for standing with us in our time of need. Together, we can rebuild, restore, and revitalize our fairgrounds, ensuring that they remain a place of joy, learning, and connection for all families in our community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Troy Rucker

President