Raising funds is an important part of 4-H programming efforts. In Leslie County without fundraising initiatives it would be very difficult for our youth to participate. Raising funds to cover expenses is necessary. Leslie County is a rural county with the median income for a household being $31,627 with 25.8% of families below the poverty line. Therefore, for youth to be able to fully participate in our programs we must raise money for scholarships to sponsor them.

Leslie County 4-H has traditionally had several fundraisers throughout the year. In February we spend 2-3 days preparing chocolate covered strawberries for Valentines Day. In October/November we assist with a local event called the Ghost Walk and in December we finish with our Annual Silent Auction that’s happened for over 10 years. The purpose of these events is to increase awareness and raise money for 4-H related costs. 

Fundraising began with one of our favorites, the 2022 Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fundraiser. We always start the fundraiser on February 13^th and carry it over into the 14^th. This year February 13^th  fell on a Sunday which made us nervous because we were unsure if we would have proper assistance. 4-Her’s and their families, along with some staff came to save the day.  We then received unexpected snow which led to cancelation of schools. A lot of the strawberry orders are delivered to staff and students within our schools, but most parents picked up their orders and some let us deliver on the 15^th.  Despite the odds, our fundraiser was a huge success! We dipped over 2,500 strawberries! 

The 2022 Ghost Walk was an evening of spooky family fun! Each year the Community Foundation partners with the Leslie County 4H and the LCHS Drama Club to raise money for our organizations. This year, we decided to hold the event at Wendover in the hopes that folks who had never been to this amazing space would get to experience it. It was a wonderful night with over $1,000 raised. Our storytellers were fantastic and the Drama Club students who performed as scare actors were so talented. Leslie County 4-H teen council assisted with concession and had the opportunity to journey through the Ghost Walk.  Founding LCCF Board member and former 4-H horse club leader Angela Collett Feltner, loved The Ghost Walk and using it to support Leslie 4H and the Drama Club. By having the Ghost Walk is one way we can continue to support her memory.

 The 2022 Silent Auction was held directly after the Parade of Lights which is a very busy night for Leslie County. 60 or more people were in attendance, many of those attending being new. Current 4-H teen council members were present. They helped run our concession stand and display live auction items. The 4-H Silent Auction items donated were displayed on tables around the walls so that attendees could bid on them at their leisure. Several items were live auctioned such as UK Men’s Basketball tickets and handmade quilts.  The Silent Auction items were awarded at the end of the night to the highest bidder. Donations were received from over 30 local businesses and other residents in the community.

Through these fundraising initiatives raised over $5,000.00 for Leslie County 4-H. This will make it possible for our youth to attend 4-H camp, Teen Conference, participate in other 4-H events such as State Teen Council, NRESci, SRTLC and Summit.  As always, we are both thankful and grateful for the volunteerism, participation and generosity shown to our 4-H youth. It amazes us how well our 4-H teen members and their families are always willing to help. We are truly touched by the huge outpouring continuous support from so many residents and businesses.