Dodge County has a very strong 4-H program. Through 4-H, youth are molded into successful adults with excellent leadership skills. However, in order to make the Dodge County 4-H program the best it can be, money is a necessity. The Dodge County 4-H Leaders Association Silent Auction will be held in the youth building during the Dodge County Fair once, again, this year, to help raise funds.

“We ask the 4-H clubs to donate baskets for the auction, but we also take basket donations from people or organizations who just want to support 4-H,” noted Mary Pat Boschert, auction committee member from Leipsic 4-H Club.

“Most of the baskets in the auction carry a theme,” noted Kris Schaalma, committee member also from the Leipsic 4-H Club. “It depends on the year, but themes can include gardening, movies, games, back-to-school, BBQ, sewing, and crafts.” Boschert went on to add, “In addition to baskets, we’ll sometimes get large woodworking projects or other homemade items. This year, we have Milwaukee Brewers tickets, Madison Mallards tickets, and a signed football from the Green Bay Packers.”

“Every year, the basket auction raises about $3,000,” continued Boschert. “We use that money to purchase items to be used by 4-H during the Dodge County Fair and other events. The committee in charge of the silent auction gets suggestions on what to spend the money on, and then makes a final decision which is approved by the Dodge County 4-H Leaders Association Executive Board. All the money goes to the kids, though.”

Fairgoers are encouraged to visit the youth building during the Dodge County Fair and view all the projects created by the 4-H kids in Dodge County. While in the youth building, people can view all the auction items and write down silent bids. “Bidding starts on Wednesday morning of the fair and wraps up on Sunday afternoon,” mentioned Boschert. “All winning bids are contacted, so there’s no need to be present on Sunday afternoon.”

The Dodge County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 15-19, 2018.

Written by Dori Lichty – farm wife, 4-H Mom, and full-time communicator