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Jim and Nancy Patterson and Ohio Farm Bureau are being honored at the 7^th annual Celebration of Youth, one of the state’s largest 4-H fundraisers. OFBF and the Pattersons are being recognized for their generous support of 4-H.

Jim and Nancy Patterson own Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland in Geauga County. Their farm consists of apple orchards, strawberry fields, an 18-hole golf course, a family-owned market and a pick-your-own operation. They also host a Family Fun Fest opened to the public and school tours with activities to educate youth about agriculture.

The Pattersons also have dedicated their lives to service through their volunteer efforts with 4-H and other organizations. Not only have they volunteered their time and talents, they have also been generous donors. They have established the Jim and Nancy Patterson Endowment to support both the Ohio 4-H Foundation Endowment and the Dean’s Fund of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. They have committed a major gift pledge to the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center and have contributed to many other 4-H fundraising efforts over the years.

Jim is a former OFBF state president and currently serves on the Nationwide board of directors.

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation members have been a very strong supporters of 4-H, donating more than $1.6 million since 1946. One of their largest donations has been to the Ohio 4-H Center. Ohio Farm Bureau has been a dedicated member of communities across the state in which 4-H’ers live, and the organization has continually shown its dedication and support of the 4-H program.

The event will be held Friday, Oct. 22 at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus. The evening will begin at 5:30 and include dinner, entertainment and a live and silent auction. The event is open to the public, with a special invitation to 4-H members, alumni, volunteers and supporters.

The event aims to raise funds for the Ohio 4-H Foundation Endowment. The endowment supports innovative and ongoing programs for the Ohio 4-H Youth Development program at the county, district and state levels. These program dollars are critical to enhance existing 4-H programs and to fund new programs, increasing the quality and quantity of 4-H activities in Ohio.

Items for purchase during the auctions include overnight stays at various bed and breakfasts and inns around Ohio, football tailgate packages, a karaoke machine, golf packages, sporting event tickets, assorted Longaberger baskets, Ohio State gear, and a miniature horse that will be present at the event!

Tickets are on sale now. Call the Ohio 4-H Foundation at 614-292-6943 to make your reservations.

Caption: Jim and Nancy Patterson will be honored at the Celebration of Youth for their volunteer efforts and generous donations to Ohio 4-H programs. Photo courtesy Jim and Nancy Patterson