Oklahoma 4-H’ers enjoy many different activities, such as robotics, through STEM projects. The $100,000 monetary gift from the Masonic Charity Foundation will make more activities such as this possible. (Photo by Todd Johnson, Agricultural Communications Services)

Oklahoma 4-H Foundation receives $100,000 gift

Thursday, July 2, 2020

The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma recently awarded the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation a charitable gift of $100,000. The purpose of these monies is to establish the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Endowment Fund. This endowment will support the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program and the annual Oklahoma 4-H Roundup.

The Masonic Charity Foundation donation ranks as the fourth largest outright cash charitable gift since the founding of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation in 1961.

“A gift of this magnitude is transformational as we continue to find new ways to address needs and deploy precious resources to ensure the youth of the Oklahoma 4-H program are given every opportunity to succeed,” said Jered Davidson, president of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.

The Masonic Charity Foundation is the institutional repository for the charitable assets of the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma. In their search for opportunities to support Oklahoma’s youth, they were drawn to 4-H because the organization appeals to rural and urban students, is well-established and projects a positive public image.

“We know that extracurricular programs such as agriculture, art, athletics, drama and music all provide additional learning opportunities that make lifelong, positive impacts on students,” said John Logan, executive director of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma.

Milford H. Jenkins, executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, said this generous gift made by the Masonic Charity Foundation enhances the lives of 4-H youth.

“Charitable gifts to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation give youth opportunities to attend events and educational workshops and learn about topics of interest,” Jenkins said. “Activities like this often inspire and lead 4-H youth to pursue college degrees and eventually find a professional career in that particular area of interest.”

4-H not only is helping youth learn the life skills they need to be the leaders of tomorrow, but it also is teaching its members they can lead today and can make tangible, significant changes in their clubs, their communities, their state and their world.

“Investments in the lives of the 4-H youth by philanthropic donors like the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma make these opportunities possible for Oklahoma’s 4-H youth,” Jenkins said. “We will always owe a huge debt of gratitude to them for their significant outright cash gift to advance the noble cause of 4-H youth development.”

The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation supports the mission of Oklahoma 4-H by allocating private fund development to support programs, scholarships, awards and activities. To learn more about the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, visit www.oklahoma4hfoundation.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Gerstenkorn | Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development | 405-744-5390 | emily.gerstenkorn@okstate.edu