Rock Island County 4-H has been honored with a generous $5,000 donation from America's Farmers Grow Communities, a philanthropic initiative led by the Bayer Fund. The significant contribution was made possible by program's recipient Ms. Alice Crawford, who has a longstanding history with the 4-H program and a deep commitment to supporting rural communities.

America's Farmers Grow Communities is an annual program that allows eligible farmers to nominate and support rural nonprofit organizations of their choice. Alice Crawford chose Rock Island County 4-H to receive the funds. Ms. Crawford's connection with the organization dates back to the early 1990s when she served as 4-H leader for the Edgington Go-Getters Club. This club, established in 1955, has played a pivotal role in nurturing the knowledge of agriculture among numerous youths, including her own family members (pictured): Klay Goodnight (current member), Logan Crawford (Alumni), Robert Crawford, Alice Crawford, Lucas Crawford (Alumni), Landon Crawford (future member), Ella Goodnight (current member), Luci Goodnight (Robert and Alice's daughter and current leader of Edgington Go-Getters for the last 10 years).

The donation will be channeled into the newly created Rock Island County 4-H Ag Fund, which will support vital agriculture initiatives for the 4-H program. Jenny Garner, county director said, "We are so grateful to Alice and her family for selecting our program to receive these funds. With this generous donation, we will continue to empower area youth through agricultural education initiatives, making a lasting and positive impact on our community."

Rock Island County 4-H is an essential pillar of community development, fostering leadership skills, agricultural education, and personal growth among its youth members. With the support of America's Farmers Grow Communities and advocates like Alice Crawford, the organization continues to create a positive and transformative impact on rural communities.