The Association of Fundraising Professionals has recognized the efforts of the Longview 4-H Beef Club with its Generosity of Spirit Award in the Youth category.

Beef Club Leader Ross Lewis says they were thrilled to be nominated by the High River District Health Care Foundation...

"We're not in this to be recognized, we're really proud of what we do and it's extremely humbling to be recognized for all the work we have done as we're quickly approaching a half million dollars."

"It's a true testament to the community that we live in and how quickly people are to get behind a project like this, like I said, it's truly humbling," he says.

The awards were handed out in a special ceremony on Nov. 15.

"It blew us away just how big of a deal this really was, there was a whole ballroom at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, they called each group up on stage and it was extremely well done and well presented."

Representatives from the Club included Kate Wedderburn, Blake Kilpatrick, Kayden Lewis, Ross Lewis and Stephen Hughes. The AFP award process included a professionally produced video about the Club and the project, an awards luncheon and a handblown glass award created by Julia Reimer of Firebrand Glass Studio in Black Diamond.

Longview 4H Beef ClubPicture above: Foundation’s Rhonda Bew, Cathy Couey, AFP Chapter President Marni Halwas, 4-H Club’s Stephen Hughes, Kate Wedderburn, Blake Kilpatrick, Ross Lewis & AFP Member Jason Lyver.

Wendy Kennelly, Executive Director of the Foundation says, ‘Recognizing this youth group is important to our Foundation. They work so hard to help the larger community through their charity steer sale. So many Club members, over the years, have made a positive impact on healthcare in the area. We are so grateful.’

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Lewis says they already have a new, as yet un-named, steer for this year that is being brought up by the Longson's and the club will start looking for donations in the next while.