“Would you like to round your total up to the nearest dollar?”
Customers in Tennessee Farmers Co-op stores across Tennessee heard this question at the close of every purchase for nearly a month. The occasion was the first-ever “Round-N-Raise” Campaign held by the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation (TFCF).
What is Co-op Round-N-Raise?
The Co-op Round-N-Raise is a fundraising campaign that provides opportunities for local Co-op store customers to further support their communities by rounding up their purchases or giving a set donation to the TFCF. The money raised goes directly back to the local 4-H and FFA of that store.
“We’re going to do this three times a year,” says Dawn Eaton, TFCF’s executive director. “The first one ran from Sept. 29 to Oct. 14, 2023, and we’re doing another one Dec. 1-23, 2023. Then, we’ll do another in the spring of 2024.”
For this first event, 28 of the state’s Co-ops participated, and the campaign raised $16,403.
How is Co-op Round-N-Raise Helping County 4-H Programs?
Hosting the Round-N-Raise is one small part of the TFCF fulfilling its mission.
“Our mission states, ‘The TFC Foundation will foster future generations of agricultural leaders, serve local communities and support faith-based initiatives,’” Eaton says. “And the money we raise flows back to the local counties and chapters to be used for educational and leadership opportunities.”
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“It also helps us get projects completed quicker,” adds Randy Stubblefield, general manager of United Farm and Home Co-op. “From the business standpoint, it’s good for us to know if there are projects that 4-H wants help with because we’re always willing to do whatever we can to help with their projects.”
Williamson County 4-H’ers
The partnership between the Co-ops and 4-H is all about preparing tomorrow’s leaders. “The better educated our youth are, the better communication skills they’ll have and the better individuals they’ll be to become leaders in the future,” Stubblefield says. “Whether they’re working at Co-op or staying in the ag industry or they’re in the healthcare industry, 4-H does a good job of making better people, and that’s why I’m such a believer in supporting them. I’ve witnessed it firsthand. I’ve watched kids progress and become really, really good adults.”
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“Many people think 4-H is all about agriculture,” says Doug Berny, Williamson County’s Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development. “But it’s not the subject matter that drives us, it’s the skill development in young people and the way that changes the trajectory of their future. It gives them options and opportunities. I’ve seen 4-H change kids’ lives in ways that are dramatic and impactful.”
Campaigns such as the Round-N-Raise help bring awareness to that impact.
Williamson County 4-H’ers at 4-H Camp
“The Co-op’s doing a great service by marketing the program to clientele who would likely benefit from and be very interested in having their kids or their family being a part of the 4-H program,” Berny says. “A lot of the families we work with live in rural areas where mom and dad may have acreage, but both are having to work full-time jobs to be able to pay their property taxes, or they’re involved in farming and are stretched thin. From a financial standpoint, that makes it tough for them to do any of the extracurricular things they’d like their kids to do.”
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When Co-op comes along and provides an opportunity for everybody to give a little bit, that reaches a broad base. And it provides important financial resources to assist local 4-H programs in their goal of making sure every kid has the opportunity to participate regardless of any social, cultural or financial limitations that may be an obstacle.”
Williamson County 4-H’ers judging poultry
How Can Others Host a Round-N-Raise?
Any organization can host a Round-N-Raise.
“It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that Co-op is once again doing something to support 4-H,” Berny explains. “But any company could do a Round-N-Raise to benefit 4-H because 4-H serves every young person in the community, and we are constantly welcoming community partnership in this endeavor.”
Tennessee’s first Round-N-Raise proved that small contributions, when combined, can create something extraordinary. It’s a powerful reminder of the lasting impact made when communities unite in partnership and generosity.
You may participate in the Round-N-Raise by visiting tinyurl.com/Round-N-Raise.
