SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: August 12, 2014

Media Contact: Jerome Hertel, 605-353-7340

Available Volunteer Interviewee:  Michelle Stuck, 605-888-3695

Nordby Will Match 4-H Members Raising Funds for State Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall

HURON, S.D. – Philanthropist Earl Nordby of Huron has issued a challenge to 4-H members and families throughout the state. He has pledged to match the 4-H’ers’ $500,000 statewide fundraising goal for the capital campaign to build a new fairgrounds’ exhibit hall. 

4-H clubs, leaders and families are working to raise funds over the next three years through raffles, auctions, concession work, bake sales and other creative ventures to involve local community members in the statewide effort. The gift from Mr. Nordby will double the work of the 4-H members to a potential of $1 million.

When built, the 46,910-square-foot exhibit hall will feature more than 35,000 square feet of exhibit space, multiple classrooms, a large kitchen for 4-H Special Foods competitions and a performance stage for the many 4-H activities that will take place there year-round.   

Nordby provided a $1 million gift to kick off the capital campaign for the building, which will be named the Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth, and Community.      

“The efforts of the 4-H’ers are not going unnoticed. I’m glad to be able to help inspire them to reach their goal, and I encourage other adults to offer matches for their local 4-H’er goals,” said Mr. Nordby. 

Michelle Stuck of Brentford is a 4-H leader who has been helping organize 4-H fundraising activities. Spink County 4-H has hosted a chicken feed, and a fudge fundraiser, and sold trees, which has gotten them very close to reaching their $5,000 goal in just a few months. “I can’t believe the giving heart of Mr. Nordby!  My 4-H members are so excited to have him as a partner in our venture!” said Stuck.

Nordby is a lifelong Huron resident, and began working in the soft drink industry with his parents at age 13. He graduated from Huron College. In 1957, he started working with Pepsi brands, and through the years expanded his company’s trade area to include the Mitchell, Chamberlain and Pierre areas. He and his late wife Shirley also invested in other industries, including manufacturing and commercial property management. Currently retired, he has two daughters, Diane Deslauriers and Linda Scher. This South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee has touched many lives through his giving in the areas of community development, education and recreation in the communities of Huron, Mitchell and Chamberlain.

The Foundation has raised $2.73 million of its $4 million goal. Those interested in supporting the Capital Campaign should contact the State Fair office at 605.353.7340 or visit www.sdstatefairfoundation.com.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing 115,651 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

-30-

Photo Caption

Back Row:  Peter Nielson - 4-H Youth Program Director - SDSU Extension; Luke Kalmbach-Beadle County 4-H Member; Rodney Freeman - SD State Fair Foundation Chairman; Juana Paulson-Beadle County 4-H Member; Earl Nordby - 4-H Challenge Donor; Jerome Hertel - SD State Fair Manager; Karen Lambert - SD 4-H Leaders Association Chair

Middle Row:  Caleb Liebnow-Beadle County 4-H Member; Claire Trautman-Beadle County 4-H Member; Joy Trautman-Beadle County 4-H Member; Ivy Copeland-Beadle County 4-H Member

Front Row:  Ruth Trautman-Beadle County 4-H Member; Hannah Appel-Beadle County 4-H Member; Laci Svennes-Beadle County 4-H Member; Jozi Kalmbach-Beadle County 4-H Member