|
 In 2021, the Chasing Purple project raised enough
money to give out seven checks for $250 each to showmanship winners,
a check for $250 to the 50/50 youth exhibitor and a check for $500
to the 4-H Scramble Calf Grand Champion at the Logan County Fair.
This year, the crew grew the fundraising efforts to the point that
they were able to give out 10 showmanship awards for $250 each, two
50/50 youth exhibitor awards for $250 and a $500 award to the grand
champion scramble calf (for the calf won in the 2021 scramble and
judged at the 2022 Logan County Fair.)
In addition to the award, the funding provided an opportunity for
the Chasing Purple Team to host a brunch on Sunday for the winners
and the sponsors of the awards.
The invitation only brunch provided the young people with the
opportunity to meet the check sponsor, thank them for support, and
pose for a photo with their check and the sponsor for the next
Chasing Purple magazine.
The brunch was sponsored by the Lincoln Kiwanis Club and catered by
The Country Aire Restaurant in Atlanta. Members of the Kiwanis from
left to right: Breann Titus, Bridget Schneider, Annie Coers, Mike
Booher, Lindsey Guy and Brandi Bruley served the meal and saw to the
needs of the guests.
Chasing Purple began in 2018, the vision of Atlanta farmer, father
and business owner Clint Garey. The first couple of years, Garey,
with the assistance of his wife Mallory worked on the project alone.
But as it has grown, he reached out to others in the community whom
he knew had a vested interest in agriculture and hoped would have an
interest in helping him promote agriculture while highlighting and
rewarding the hard work of the 4-H youngsters who commit each year
to raising animals for the fair.
As a result, this year the Chasing Purple Team grew to include Abby
Coers Miller, Dawn Irwin, Annie Coers and Garey, all with
agricultural backgrounds, all with years of experience in 4-H, and
all excited to help area youth interested in livestock production.
The goal of the team is to raise funding for additional cash awards
to be given to area youth participating in the 4-H livestock shows.
The group works to secure sponsorships from area businesses. Those
sponsorships are then designated to individual award winners. The
group publishes the Chasing Purple Magazine and provides space for
large full color ads for those who sign on as sponsors.
The magazine is printed and distributed to the
sponsors and recipients, and around the communities. The full color
magazine gives readers a glimpse of agricultural efforts in Logan
County and also promotes the youth by featuring them with their
sponsors and award checks on a picture page in the magazine.
[to top of second column] |
In the magazine, Garey explains his reasons for
starting Chasing Purple.
“When I was in 4-H several years ago, the premiums were a little
different and they were paid by each entry, not just one per class.
I know from experience what it entails to raise and show livestock
and the expenses are only getting higher. These youth are the next
generation of farmers, livestock owners, and business owners. We
want them to know we see their hard work and that it does pay off.
“I know firsthand that there are several hours of hard work, strong
discipline, and a lot of dedication that goes into raising and
showing livestock. Therefore, Logan County 4-H members deserve to be
rewarded and acknowledged for their good morals, good values, and
hard work.
Annie Coers wrote, “I was a city girl until my husband converted me
to a country girl. Today we raise Montadale and Tunis Sheep at our
farm in New Holland and have been leaders of Hollander’s 4-H for
almost 20 years.
“I love helping 4-Hers learn and grow with their projects and am
happy to be part of this great team working toward the same goal. We
are happy to reward hard working 4-H members with the Chasing Purple
checks which will help them with the cost of their projects this
year and give them an incentive for next year.”
Dawn Irwin grew up with dairy animals and was a member of the
Chester 4-H Club for 10 years. She showed her dairy cattle in the
ring at the Logan County Fair and took on several other leadership
roles within her club. She started volunteering for the Chasing
Purple project in 2021 and is the principal writer of the articles
found in the annual publication. “I am happy to be able to share
these stories with you all and to be involved in this wonderful
project that supports the future of deserving 4-H members today."
Abby Coers Miller is also highly involved in the project, utilizing
her graphic arts skills to design the advertising that goes into the
magazine each year.
She explained her reasons for being involved in this project.
“Chasing Purple may seem like just a magazine, but it’s certainly
more than that. It’s the future of Logan County, providing awards to
financially support and recognize the hard work of our youth through
4-H projects. It’s important to support the individuals who are
setting examples for the next generation. Through this cycle, we are
raising leaders as well as carving a path for future leaders.”
The four member team of Chasing Purple along with the many sponsors
who assist them financially are doing a great thing for the youth
involved in Logan County 4-H projects.
They are a fine example of the generosity of this community. While
this article is about Chasing Purple and we don’t want to take away
from what they are doing, it should be noted that there are a number
of other people, businesses, and organizations who each year do what
they are able to do to reward local 4-Hers for their hard work.
Each group, each business, each individual involved is doing a great
thing and all those efforts are appreciated.
Thank you to Chasing Purple for all that you are doing. You are a
remarkable team working for a remarkable cause.
[Nila Smith] |
