United Supermarkets of Brownwood made a $1,000 donation Friday morning to support the Brown County Youth Fair.
Brown County Fair Association (BCFA) President Cary Thornberry and Finance Chairman Gayland Miller accepted the donation from Store Manager Lynn Day and United Supermarkets Regional Administrative Assistant Heather Schmoke at the store, located at 300 E. Commerce in Brownwood.
Miller stated that it was refreshing to be contacted by United Supermarkets regarding their interest in supporting the kids that participate in the youth fair.
“United Supermarkets contacted our organization as soon as they opened their doors here in Brownwood. From an unorthodox point of view, that was really unusual because they said ‘look we want to support your organization, we want to be a part of the community and you are a big part of it,” said Miller. “We want to support United today and come out and receive their check for their donation, and welcome them to the community. This donation is going to a great cause, it’s going to affect over 300 families in Brown County – in seven communities. These kids come out and work to provide over approximately 900 projects at the Brown County Youth Fair.”
As Day presented the check, he stated that United was working to support and become involved with the community.
“We’re excited about supporting what we can in our community and are proud to be a part of it,” said Day. “We’re new in the community and it is great to be a part of the community and support these great organizations.”
Miller explained that this year is the 64th year of the Brown County Youth Fair, which will run from January 11-16, and that the fair will be dedicated to the memory of longtime supporter and contributor Putter Jarvis. Miller stated that there will be a special presentation and unveilings, along with an announcement of an addition to the fair at the annual premium sale on Saturday, January 16th.
“Every penny given in the premium sale will go directly into the pockets of the youth who qualify for the sale. We (BCFA) do not hold back anything. There are over 30 volunteers on the front side, the fair board, but it takes hundreds of volunteers to put this on every year. The total for the premium sale last year was near $300,000, so it is quite an event and requires a lot of support.” 75% of the entries at the fair are entered in the premium sale, according to Miller.
Miller and Thornberry stated that many of the exhibitors in the local fair use funds raised from the premium sale to support next year’s project or to continue on the major show circuit. A few are able to use the funds made in showing their livestock to further their education, whether at college or trade schools, he explained.
The Brown County Youth Fair is one of the most recognized fairs throughout the state when it comes to quality of stock that is shown, according to Miller who stated that Brown County is well represented by many kids in communities from Brown County in the major shows of Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin and Houston.
Pictured above are Thornberry, Miller, Day and Schmoke with a banner that will be hung in the show ring during the 64th Annual Brown County Youth Fair, recognizing donors in the Championship Club who give $1,000 or more in support this year.
For more information about the Brown County Youth Fair and to make a donation, please contact Carey Thornberry 325-642-9991 or Gayland Miller 325-642-3007.
