4-H Club alumni, parents and supporters gathered last Thursday at the Courthouse Executive Center for the seventh annual 4-H Cocktail Party and Auction, making an investment in the future through 4-H youth development programs.
“This is our main fundraising event,” said Jennifer Seton, current president of the Indian River County 4-H Foundation, which hosted the event. “Our role as a foundation is to raise money to support the 4-H kids and offset their expenses.”
Seton, an Immigration Coordinator at FlightSafety Academy, was involved in 4-H horsemanship from age 8 to 18. She was also very involved in the leadership aspect, going on to represent Indian River County at the district, state and regional levels, where she held a variety of offices, including that of State 4-H vice president.
4-H projects are interest-based, with curriculum developed by UF using State of Florida standards. Locally projects include such areas as livestock, horsemanship, animal and marine sciences, civic engagement, food and nutrition, fitness and health, leadership and personal development, aerospace, astronomy, weather, agriculture, technology and engineering.
“I grew up in 4-H in Canada, southern Ontario,” said guest Karen Deigl, Senior Resource Association President/CEO. “I used to show dairy cows; train, groom and show. 4-H was my introduction to leadership.”
The Derby-themed event drew roughly 150 guests, who enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and a chance to bid on an extensive variety of silent auction items donated by local businesses, sponsors and supporters.
“We give out two awards every year to people who have gone above and beyond,” said Seton. “This year our Friend of 4-H Award is being presented to [County Commissioner] Wesley Davis. He’s been a great friend to our programs and to our community.”
The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Sandy Curl, who previously had a child in 4-H and has continued to support its programs.
“My family was involved with it,” said Davis, who also served as FAA (Future Farmers of America) State President. 4-H is currently the only educational option for Indian River County students interested in agricultural sciences; FFA was eliminated from the school district curriculum eight years ago.
“My wife [Tonya] was in 4-H. The steer that she raised [and sold at the county fair] helped pay for our own wedding.” Their daughter, Taylor, showed her last steer at this year’s fair, having graduated out of 4-H.
“Tonight is about the entire 4-H; it’s not just livestock,” added Davis, who the night before had been one of the judges at the countywide 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Competition, open to fourth- and fifth-grade students in Indian River County public or private schools. Winners Jaysmine Pledger and Christian Rojas, fourth and fifth grade respectively, each received a full scholarship to 4-H Camp Cloverleaf in Lake Placid, FL.
“The competition was great. We think competition brings out the best in everyone,” said Davis. “Sometimes you get your butt kicked and you have to learn how to handle losing. It teaches drive and determination.”
