July 18, 2024 — This is Russell Country FCU’s first year sponsoring Cascade County 4-H at their fair, and they started BIG! It all started with a new product specifically designed for 4-H participants called the 4-H Suite. After developing the product, they decided they wanted to sponsor more in 4-H, as it complements the credit union’s field of membership — encompassing rural communities and farm/ranch operations — and also helps fulfill their mission of “helping our members achieve financial success while building a better community.”

Staff attended all three days of the livestock show, where they set up a table to interact with the participants, their animals, their families, and the other volunteers. They enjoyed seeing how the kids interacted with their animals and were able to visit with them to find out about their training regime and how they needed to care for their animals.

The third pillar of their 4-H support this year came in the form of two awards: the Russell Country Role Model Award — judged by six Russell Country FCU staff — and the Helping Hearts and Hands Award — judged by 4-H leaders. For the first award, the judges visited as many pens as possible and talked with the kids to gauge their ability to interact with adults, since it’s an area that is highly emphasized in 4-H. The kids needed to make eye contact, shake hands, answer questions, and tell judges about their animal(s).

For the second award, 4-H leaders watched participants throughout the show, unbeknownst to the participants, to see who was willing to step up and help the other participants and/or the volunteers if they needed help. The 4-H leaders were also watching for those who were encouraging the other participants and cheering them on and who were doing these things with the right attitude and a happy heart.

The credit union also bought steers and hogs at the auction. The meat will be butchered, wrapped, and made available for staff and board members to purchase — providing a great opportunity for the credit union to support 4-H, give back to the communities they serve, and help staff and board members get good quality meat at a “fair” (pun intended) price.