4-H’ers Piggyback with Make a Wish

Many a princess has kissed a frog in the hopes of making her dream come true, but whoever heard of kissing a pig? Grant County 4-H’ers!

The Grant County 4-H program is joining forces with the SD state-wide service project to raise funds for the Make A Wish Foundation of South Dakota.

The local group came up with the idea of collecting cash donations to raise $5000 to $6000, the amount needed to grant one wish for a child, according to Sara Koepke, Grant County 4-H youth program advisor.

Each local 4-H club, along with Koepke, will place decorated cans throughout the community to collect cash donations. The club or person who collects the most money prior to the 4-H style show at the 2016 Grant County Achievement Days will kiss a pig. Each club has chosen one member to do the dirty deed.

There are nine cans – one from each club and one for Koepke. “The cans will also be set out at the Grant County Farm and Home Show in January,” said Koepke. “Please help us out with this worthy cause.”

In addition to Koepke, Susan Karels, Karlee Mertens, Kylene Bowen, Jasmine Smith, Sydney Zenk and Tamara Peschong have been chosen to represent their respective clubs. The Madison Junior Livestock, Northern Lights and Saddle Pals clubs have not designated one person to complete the task, but will do it as a group.

“With your help, we are looking forward to improving the lives of children and families in our state,” stated Audrey Rider, SDSU Extension State 4-H Events Field Specialist.

Cans were placed at Schuneman Equipment this week, and will remain there through the end of December. All nine cans will then move to Runnings and will land at the Farm and Home Show in January. From there they will travel to additional businesses throughout the upcoming months.