It is an honor to write this letter as the current president of the Delaware 4-H Foundation. 4-H has been an

important part of my life as a former 4-Her, project leader and now parent of three 4-H members. The value of

4-H is truly priceless and the 12 members of the Foundation are committed to continuing to “make the best

better.”

This year has been a time of change in our world, our country and our 4-H program. We continue to have strong

programs in each of our counties and statewide despite the financial challenges that are currently prevalent. The

Foundation investments were, of course, affected by the decline in the financial markets. However, they are

beginning to show signs of recovery, as are most investment funds. We continue to strive to increase our

endowments which will ensure the viability of numerous 4-H activities such as National Congress, National

Conference, State 4-H Camp, Leader Forums and other events. Delaware 4-H is also proud to be hosting the

Northeast Regional Volunteer Leader’s Forum in 2010 in Rehoboth Beach.

The Foundation was honored this year to receive a new endowment: The William N. and Dorothy C. Hopkins

Endowment. We are most appreciative of the family’s contribution to this important aspect of 4-H and their

willingness to support 4-H with such a special monetary gift. 4-H has and continues to be a large part of the

4-H Camp. We received many contributions towards this endowment and the Foundation has secured several

commitments to help this grow over the next five years. The revenue generated from this endowment will help

pay for many of the expenses at camp that may not be covered by the fees that the campers and their families pay.

Early in 2009, the Delaware 4-H Family lost two very important people, Marion MacDonald and Joy Sparks.

Marion was the long time Kent County 4-H Agent when I was growing up. That was a long time ago. But when

she retired, she did not disappear from 4-H or the Foundation. She continued her generous moral and financial

support of the Foundation. And in February we lost one of the greatest 4-Hers Delaware has ever had, Joy

Sparks. Joy was my mentor and my friend. When I was a young boy in 4-H, I was a little ornery to say the least.

Not everybody on the state 4-H staff seemed to appreciate my sense of humor. In other words, I would

sometimes get in trouble. But Joy always saw something in me and others like me and was able to bring out the

best in us. She is the reason I am on the Foundation Board and the current President. As special as Joy was to

me, she was also special to many people in Delaware and across the nation. We are all better people for knowing

these two ladies and we will miss them very much.

To conclude, The Delaware 4-H Foundation is alive and well and committed

to providing the financial resources to ensure that the 4-Hers of our state

continue to grow into the future leaders of our communities and our world.

And the Foundation would like to thank you, our benefactors, for continuing

to provide for our future leaders.

Sincerely,

Denis Shaffer