COURIER VOLUME: 02
SECOND QUARTER
ISSUE: 02
AN EL PASO COUNTY PUBLICATION
Future Leaders Feed Hope The Junior Livestock Sale is held each year on the final Saturday of the El Paso County Fair. The Sale allows youth exhibitors to sell the animals they raise as part of their market livestock projects. The youth participating in these projects are not just learning to raise healthy, natural protein. They are developing critical life skills, including work ethic, public speaking, advocacy, and volunteerism. The Sale committee empowers these youth with guidance, resources, and opportunities to become contributing leaders in the community. "It is rewarding to witness kids who went through these programs now showing up as leaders, volunteers, and buyers," said Patty Woodard, El Paso County Livestock Sale Committee Manager. "Seeing them invest and support the next generation is a fullcircle moment." Many former youth participants have returned to the El Paso County Fair and Junior Livestock Sale as volunteers and livestock buyers. Their commitment to the program and the youth of El Paso County is a testament to its relevance and a source of hope for our future. Two individuals who share a passion for the Fair and Sale are friends Dayna Buffington and Amy Jo Fields, current volunteers, former youth participants, and former El Paso County Fair Queens. "We owe much of our success and who we are to this program. We developed healthy competitive natures. We learned the value of hard work and perseverance. It is essential for us to give back, offer support, and invest in our community's next generation of leaders."
Ring stewards help spot bids for 4-H and FFA livestock projects during the 2023 El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale. Photo by Flying M Photography
The El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale Committee valued continuing its legacy. The committee began looking for ways to connect with the community and provide more opportunities for El Paso County youth. One of those opportunities came in 2021. The Sale Committee was presented with an opportunity to meet a community need through a partnership with a local nonprofit, Protein 4-Helping Others (P4-HO). Protein 4-Helping Others uses donations made to their organization to purchase natural meat protein at market value through the Sale, and donate it to the Springs Rescue Mission. The donations provide needed food (protein), and the Mission also uses the whole carcasses to teach culinary skills. Clients at the Mission develop life and job skills, giving them an opportunity for a better future. This opportunity allowed the youth to make a meaningful impact and add another element of community involvement.
“Through our partnership with the El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale, participating youth know they aren't just investing in their lives but helping offer hope and life transformation for others," said Cheyrl Nunnali, Protein 4-Helping Others Chair. For food banks and shelters like the Springs Rescue Mission, meat remains the most needed and difficult-to-obtain resource. Their partnership with El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale and Protein 4-Helping Others helps them reach their goals and transform lives. In 2023, the Springs Rescue Mission served over 200,000 meals. As the 2024 fair approaches, everyone is eager to see the success of these young participants and how many meals will be served through the partnership this year. To learn more about the El Paso County Junior Livestock Sale and Protein 4Helping Others, visit their website at www.epcjrlivestocksale.com/p4ho.
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