$1.25M gift will shape generations of 4-H youth

In moments of great need, communities often demonstrate their strongest values — hope, generosity and belief in young people. Recently, the San Luis Valley, Colo., 4-H program experienced one of those rare and profound moments: an anonymous donor contributed $1.25 million dollars to the SLV 4-H Endowment, making it one of the most transformative gifts in our history. This extraordinary investment is far more than a dollar amount. It is a promise — to our youth, to our Valley community, and to the future of agriculture and leadership in our region. It is a gift that will echo across generations.

“Thanksgiving,” said Larry Brown, Colorado State University SLV Extension director, “is such an appropriate time for this wonderful gift, and yet even the fullest meaning of Thanksgiving cannot begin to express the depth of gratitude my team and I feel.” The donor has asked to remain anonymous, but did share the following statement:

“We are honored to support the San Luis Valley 4-H program and its meaningful vision for the future of youth in the San Luis Valley. We firmly believe in the values and life skills that 4-H instills — leadership, responsibility, strong work ethic, integrity, respect, self-confidence, citizenship and many other lifelong attributes. At this time, we prefer to remain anonymous, though we may choose to be identified in the future. We are committed to being part of this vision and are proud to help bring it to fruition,” (anonymous donor).

Though the donor has chosen to remain anonymous, their impact will be anything but quiet. Their generosity will be reflected in every new member who finds a sense of belonging, every project learned and skill mastered, every young person who grows into a leader, and every life touched through expanded programming. This is a gift that will shape the SLV community for decades.

CLEAR VISION AND PURPOSE

The SLV 4-H Endowment was established with a clear vision for youth development and a clear purpose: to fund an additional 4-H Youth development specialist who can support both the incredible momentum of our current program and the exciting growth ahead. The youth development specialist in this position is Mollie Wells. Today, more than 330 youth across the Valley participate in 4-H projects ranging from beef, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, dogs, and horses to baking, cake decorating, food preservation, sewing and needle crafts, to robotics, rocketry, and STEM innovation. These experiences grow confidence, responsibility and leadership — skills that last a lifetime. Our leadership and STEM lessons were also shared with 1,000 additional youth this year who are not in 4-H. This endowment will allow us to pursue ambitious goals of: expanding 4-H enrollment to 450 youth within five years; achieving a 90% retention rate for first-year members; strengthening traditional project areas; increasing access to non-member programming in partnership with schools and organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Center Vikings, Alpine Achievers, Kids Connection, and High Valley; and ensuring more youth — regardless of background — can experience the power of 4-H.

This donation is more than financial support, it is a spark. It is igniting inspiration across the Valley. It inspires us to dream bigger, work harder and reach further. It reminds us that the Valley invests in its youth because it believes in their potential. It inspires families to join. It inspires community partners to collaborate. It inspires youth to see themselves as capable of greatness. And it inspires all of us to continue the 4-H mission of “making the best better.”

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

With this new donation, added to the 65 previous donations we have received ranging from $5 to $100,000 from individuals and businesses, the SLV 4-H Endowment now stands at an inspiring $1.5 million. That means we are more than halfway to our $2.5 million goal, and we’ve reached this milestone in just over two years. This rapid progress shows the strength of our community’s belief in the transformational work of 4-H, and every dollar represents hope, opportunity, and belief in our kids. It demonstrates that when we unite around our young people, remarkable things are possible. We are profoundly grateful to every single donor from the very first contribution to this extraordinary anonymous gift. Please hear our heartfelt thank you.

This is the beginning of a new legacy that will last generations. Thanks to this incredible donation and the passionate support of every donor along the way, the SLV 4-H program is entering a new era of impact, growth and possibility. Together, we are building a stronger Valley. Together, we are empowering youth. Together, we are creating a legacy that will inspire generations. The San Luis Valley is filled with young people who are ready to learn, grow and lead. With your help, we can reach them.

Our team is incredibly excited and deeply grateful for this generous gift. We had a vision, and now it truly feels within reach. We still need the community’s support to reach the finish line, and we hope everyone will continue to invest in this important vision. Whether you are an individual, a business or organization, we invite you to join this heartfelt mission and become part of this legacy. As you are planning your year-end donations; as you plan your giving for next year; as you do your estate planning; please consider the SLV 4-H

Endowment as one of your worthy benefactors. It is a vision that is becoming reality and when you give, you’re not just donating, you’re shaping futures, strengthening families and investing in tomorrow’s leaders.

From the bottom of our hearts: thank you for believing in the San Luis Valley 4-H program and the incredible young people who call this Valley home. Their future is brighter because of you. Together, we can ensure every child who wants the 4-H experience has access to it. Help us grow. Help them soar. Your generosity will echo for generations.

For information on the SLV 4-H Endowment, how to contribute, and how to enroll your youth in 4-H, please call the SLV Area CSU Extension Office at (719) 852-7381. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.