June 2018 Club of the Month
This month we would like to congratulate the Round ‘Em Up Cattle Club for being awarded the Nebraska 4-H Club of the Month for June 2018. This club from Gretna, Nebraska, in Sarpy County, has truly made a difference in its community. The club is dedicated to building strong citizenship and teamwork through various activities.
What started out nearly 20 years ago, with only a few kids, the 4-H club has grown in size and diversity. The Round ‘Em Up Cattle Club, founded by Monte Stauffer, has been active in many projects that represent what 4-H in Nebraska stands for.
The kids take on the huge responsibility of caring for their animals, which is a challenging and rewarding experience. Many kids take care of and show several different animals at the local fairs.
Not only are the kids active with their animals, but also in their community. Meetings begin in late January to start planning for the upcoming year. One of the many community service projects members are involved in is making and passing out Valentine’s Day cards and treats to the residents at the local community living center.
In addition to this service project, the kids raise money throughout the year and vote on local charities that are important to them to give the donations to. In 2017, the funds raised were donated to buy craft supplies for the Omaha Children’s Hospital. The second organization the money was used for was to prepare care packages that included essentials daily items. These were then donated to Least Of My Brethren, a charity for the homeless located in Elkhorn. After a tornado caused severe damage to the Town and Country Humane Society in Sarpy County, donations such as food, toys and beds were taken to the Humane Society for the animals.
Funds were also used to purchase plaques that were presented to the winners at the Sarpy County Fair. Finally, blankets, scarves and hats were made and taken to Open Door Mission Lydia House in Omaha, which is an emergency shelter for women and families.
The Round ’Em Up Cattle Club represents how our heads, hearts, hands and health are committed to our clubs, communities, country and world.
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation provides the 4-H Club of the Month program to all Nebraska 4-H clubs throughout the state. Clubs can nominate themselves by telling why their club should be chosen as Club of the Month. A different club will be chosen each month and will be awarded with a certificate and $50 cash card. For more information go to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation website at https://ne4hfoundation.org/recognition or e-mail ne4hclubofthemonth@gmail.com.
