The Dodge County 4-H and FFA youth Meat-Animal-Sale-Committee fundraiser planned for Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Dodgeland High School, Juneau, Wis., has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

“I will look into the future with Dodgeland High School and try to reschedule the event for some time in 2020, after the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted,” said event chairman, Eric Salmi.

The committee will be contacting all registered teams. “Starting this afternoon, we will be calling the captains of each team to notify them and ask that they pass on the word to their team members,” added Salmi. All prize and gift donations already in the possession of the committee will be secured until the event can be rescheduled.

There are several upgrades on the list this year for which the fundraising event was being held, such as installing a ventilation system in the lamb and beef barn at the Dodge County Fairgrounds so animals are more comfortable during the fair. The committee is also looking into some electrical improvements in the barns and the addition of shelter outside the
livestock buildings.

There is a way to continue supporting the cause, even though an event can’t be held at this time. “We are still accepting orders for event t-shirts. The cost is $20 for sizes up to XL, and 2XL-5XL are $25,” noted Salmi. “The back of the t-shirt is really cool; it has an American flag with a black silhouette of livestock animals.” Underneath the patriotic image are the words, “Leading the Legacy.”

Those interested in purchasing t-shirts should e-mail Salmi at [email protected] or call him at 920-988-1817. “There was originally a deadline published for this part of the fundraiser; however, due to the current situation, we have removed this deadline. Feel free to submit your t-shirt orders when you have a chance.”

A lot of work and organization goes into planning a fundraising event like this, but sometimes certain decisions must be made. “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the fundraiser this year,” said Salmi. “I was hoping we would be able to still have it, but the health and safety of our families is more important. Please take care of yourselves.”

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