Gala to Raise Funds for Colorado 4-H Expansion

The Colorado 4-H program, part of Colorado State University Extension, is hosting its annual gala at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Monies raised will be used to support 4-H science and technology programs statewide, plus the expansion of 4-H programs in the Denver metropolitan area. The goal is to establish 50 new clubs by 2011, enrolling 1,000 new 4-H members and securing funds for staff to support the effort. The expansion plans tie in with the national 4-H initiative in science, engineering and technology.

4-H is the largest out-of-school youth development program in the country with more than 7,000,000 members and 500,000 teen and adult volunteers. In Colorado, 4-H and Colorado State Extension programs reach more than 90,000 young people annually, more than half in urban communities.

4-H strives to empower young people to reach their full potential and develop important life skills. While the program has its roots in agricultural sciences, electricity, mechanics, natural sciences, biofuels, renewable energy and computer sciences projects are now strong components. The gala will help support several emerging 4-H projects such as robotics, geospatial technology and wind power.

The theme of the gala, “Experience the Electricity of 4-H,” will feature exhibits of lightning photography taken by 4-H members, wind-powered displays built by 4-H members, robotics projects and an interactive entomology exhibit. Guests can enjoy dinner, dancing and auctions benefiting Colorado 4-H youth development. A highlight of the evening will be a planetarium show produced by collegiate 4-H member, CSU sophomore Adam Goss of Fort Morgan. A computer science major who was in 4-H for 10 years, Goss has had a unique opportunity to work with the planetarium’s facility and staff.

Dale Leidheiser, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development has worked with Goss on the presentation, which will highlight 4-H’s approach to science, engineering and technology over the years. “It’s a remarkable video presentation that Adam put together, working diligently throughout the summer and fall,” said Leidheiser.

Jeff Goodwin, assistant director, 4-H and Youth Development, said the gala will be a great experience for all who attend. “This is a watershed event to promote science and technology in the statewide 4-H program and is a key step in the expansion of 4-H in Denver.”

Dress for the evening is business casual, or Goodwin suggests, “Come dressed as your favorite scientist or science/technology-based professional.”

There will be a raffle drawing for a 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck. Tickets for the drawing are $5 each of five for $20 and can be purchased at the event or by contacting the Colorado State 4-H office at (970) 491-2768.

For more information, visit www.colorado4h.org/gala or contact Jeff Goodwin at (970) 491-1152 or Jeff.Goodwin@colostate.edu.
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