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by Seth Teter (This article was published in 2005.)

The fundraising effort for the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center is on track to exceed the $12.6 million goal by the end of this year, and groundbreaking could take place by October.

Right now the center is several hundred thousand dollars short of its goal, but that doesn't include verbal commitments or outstanding payments, according to Bill McCleery, 4-H center campaign director.

"By the end of the year we could be well over $13 million," he said. "We have the money in hand for construction at this point."

Ohio State University has begun the bidding process for the center, which will be located on campus west of the Schottenstein Center and east of Route 315.

Bob Vance, OFBF vice president of corporate affairs, said fundraising efforts have been very good and should cover the $12 million construction cost with money left over for operating expenses.

"The Ohio Farm Bureau is in equally good shape, because members, county Farm Bureaus and OFBF stepped up and met our commitment," he said.

Vance said OFBF will fulfill its $1.5 million commitment to the center on schedule in 2005.

As part of OFBF's contribution, county Farm Bureaus pledged more than $300,000 for the project. The top five contributing counties are Franklin, $129,000; Lorain, $17,242; Stark, $16,220; Summit $10,766 and Jefferson, $10,045.

"All of the counties have done a super job in helping us reach our $1.5 million goal," Vance said.

OFBF has also organized a Leadership Circle to raise additional funds. To join the Leadership Circle, individuals must make a minimum donation of $1,000. An internal goal of $250,000 was set, about half of which has been raised so far.

"We will continue to assist anyone who wants to participate in that program," Vance said.

The 44,000-square-foot 4-H center will be the new home of Ohio's 4-H program, which involves about 300,000 youths and 37,000 volunteers across the state. It will include a multimedia room, several meeting rooms, a computer laboratory, classrooms and demonstration areas, an outdoor education area and an administrative area. An interactive computer station will be designated to inform guests about OFBF.

Since the fundraising drive began in 2000, more than 3,000 donors have contributed to the project, including $4.5 million provided by the Nationwide Foundation.

"It's exciting; we're pleased with everyone's participation and contributions with this important event," Vance said. "We'll continue to work with 4-H and assist where possible in the success of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center."