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Keokuk County 4-H hosts first annual Valentine’s Dinner Fundraiser
Community Support helps keep 4-H free for Keokuk County Youth
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
SIGOURNEY — Feb. 14, 2025 — Keokuk County 4-H held its first-ever Valentine’s Dinner Fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, serving over 200 meals in just three hours and raising crucial funds to support youth enrollment across the county.
The pasta dinner, hosted on Valentine’s Day, was a heartwarming success thanks to the dedication of 45 volunteers — current 4-H members of all ages and caring adult supporters — who provided a full “restaurant-style” dining experience to guests from across the community.
“This was such a great new event for our 4-H program,” said Ashley Yedlik, Keokuk County Youth Coordinator and one of the event organizers. “Not only did it help raise funds for our 4-H members’ enrollment to help make our program free to all youth in the county, but it was also a way for our 4-H members to interact with community members! Youth got to practice their communication skills in a restaurant-style setting — serving as hosts, waitstaff, and even bussing tables — all while getting to talk to community members and share their gratefulness and 4-H experience.”
The event was made possible by a tremendous outpouring of support from local sponsors, donors, and attendees. Keokuk County 4-H would like to extend special thanks to the following supporters:
Celebration Rentals, Keokuk County Expo, Patriotic Panthers 4-H, Friends of 4-H, Rob & Tina Frank, Tri-County Grain Cooperation, BC Investments LLC, Exceptional Edge LLC, Libertyville Savings Bank, Cassie O'Rourke — Grimm Company Real Estate, Witthoft Farm Supply, Farmers Coop/Vision Ag, Jean Axmear & Family, Keokuk County Vet Clinic, Midwest One Bank, Pilot Grove Savings Bank, Janell Millikin, Insurance Services Group, Be the Light Ministry, Mark & Amy O'Rourke Family, Ron and Janis Collins, Sigourney Community School District, and many more.
“This event was a testament to what happens when a community comes together,” added Yedlik. “We are incredibly grateful to every volunteer, donor, sponsor, and guest who made our first Valentine’s Dinner such a memorable and impactful evening.”
Funds raised will directly support Keokuk County 4-H enrollment efforts, ensuring continued accessibility of programs for all youth in the county — at no cost to families.
For more information about joining 4-H, how to become a sponsor, or how to volunteer for Keokuk County 4-H, please contact the Keokuk County Extension Office at 641/622-2680. Follow “Iowa State University Extension: Keokuk County” on Facebook.
