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Ceres 4-H second in national contest
Tractor Supply sells paper clovers for 4-H
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A check was made out for $3,561 was handed over to Stanislaus County 4-H clubs. Turlock Tractor Supply employees are Julie Schmidt, Micah Cooper, Anthony Torres, Jaime Freitas. Members of the Ceres 4-H club collecting the check are: (in front), Tatiana and Thalia Castaneda; (second row), Emily Hill, Hannah Rantz and Katie Overton (Turlock Eagles); and (back row), Noah Rantz, Adam Rantz and Michaela Rantz. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

Ceres 4-H, along with 4-H clubs throughout Stanislaus County, came in second place nationwide in the Oct. 7-18 Tractor Supply Company's Fall 2015 Paper Clover fundraiser.

Nationwide, $892,670 was raised, making 2015 the company's best fundraiser year.

Stanislaus County 4-H clubs received $4,091, which was raised at both the Turlock and Oakdale stores.

During the semi-annual event, the company invites friends and family to support 4-H by donating $1 at check out when they are done shopping. In exchange they may write their name on a paper clover posted inside the store. Every cent of each dollar goes to the 4-H.

The Turlock store was a leader in donations at $5,479. Ceres and Turlock Eagles were the only two clubs that worked at Turlock Tractor Supply to raise the money. Of that amount, $3,561 went to the county 4-H clubs, $1,644 to national 4-H and $263 to state 4-H.

The local money will locally be spent on Presentation Day, Livestock Proficiency Day, Small Animal Field Day, Fashion Revue and the Farmyard Experience at the Stanislaus County Fair.

Texas produced the most sales with $108,232 and California in second place at $53,032.

The spring 2016 4-H Paper Clover Campaign will take place April 13-24, 2016. Shoppers at the Turlock and Oakdale stores will have the opportunity to support 4-H by choosing to purchase paper clovers for a $1 or more at checkout. All funds raised will be donated to 4-H, and will support 4-H youth development program activities in Stanislaus County.

"For many years, the Paper Clover fundraiser has allowed us to provide thousands of 4-H youth across the country greater access to 4-H programs," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "We are thrilled about our continued partnership with Tractor Supply Company as it drives the excitement of local community participation and support for 4-H programs, and therefore the success of the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign."

Last year, across 49 states, the TSC 4-H Paper Clover Campaign provided more than $1.8 million to 4-H across the country. All proceeds raised directly benefit 4-H, with 70 percent of funds being returned to state and local 4-H programs. The effort has provided direct support for local camps, after-school programs and other activities, and has granted scholarships to these events where youth can explore their interests in everything from animal science to robotics.

"The Paper Clover fundraiser is a significant part of Tractor Supply Company's support of 4-H programs throughout the 1,300 communities we serve," said Christi Korzekwa, the company's marketing vice president. "We are proud to be able to provide essential funding to more than 1,000 county 4-H programs. These programs make a positive impact on young people that last a lifetime. The continued success of the fundraisers demonstrate the importance of our 4-H partnership with our customers and team members."