Summary
Organization name
Herkey's Champion Buyers Club
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Cooke
Address
PO Box 382Gainesville, TX 76241
About
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For 4-H, FFA and FCCLA youth who participate in the CCJLS, the premium sale is their victory lap. Generous premiums enable youth from all demographic and socio-economic profiles to participate in the show year over year. The valuable project experience, available through CCJLS projects, fosters a positive work ethic, improves their ability to manage responsibility over a span of time, and builds self-confidence. Financial literacy is also enhanced as eligible youth, in grades 3-12, are able to personally improve their resources by saving some or all of their annual premiums for college, or have the assurance of available funds to purchase their next project and related feed/supplies. Since HCBC was established in 2018, the total amounts going to the CCJLS champions has been elevated to a level that is in keeping with the current costs associated with raising, constructing or designing a competitive project.
Our Needs
The annual Premium Sale of Champions serves youth who have endeavored for the greater part of a year to raise or otherwise produce award winning projects. HCBC aims to serve the Champion exhibitors. Since its founding in 2018, HCBC has been able to contribute approximately $20,000 annually to the sale premiums and add-ons, but this has not fully met the existing need, which is estimated at $30,000 to equitably support every youth Grand Champion and reserve Grand Champion.
Mission
The mission of HCBC is to tangibly honor the memory and good works of David "Herkey" Biffle (1950-2018) by raising funds annually to support the 4-H, FFA and FCCLA youth who exhibit Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion projects at the Cooke Co Jr. Livestock Show. The show is held the first full week week of January at the Cooke Co Fairgrounds located at 1901 Justice Center Blvd in Gainesville, TX 76240.
HCBC members, and now North Texas Giving Day donors, add monies to the annual Premium Sale of Champions. The premiums inspire youth to work harder throughout the year to prepare and exhibit top quality projects. A dedicated philanthropist, Herkey Biffle was also a spirited auctioneer, who humorously engaged buyers to raise bids for the benefit of CCJLS and many other charitable causes throughout North Texas.
Needs
In 2023 HCBC will be celebrating five years since the 2018 formation. In the spirit of our namesake, Herkey Biffle, HCBC wants to expand its impact to bring more youth into the show and reward one or more graduating seniors with a valuable scholarship.
A $100,000 scholarship fund is the goal to ensure the scholarship will exist into perpetuity. The fund's seed money was raised at the June 2022 Ca$h Scramble benefit event, and with the help of Giving Day donors, HCBC an move the needle even further.
The other need is for eager volunteers to come aboard to help spread the news and mission of HCBC in the Cooke Co business and school communities. Volunteers communicate via text and email and meetings are only occasional. Volunteers agree to assist with duties related to preparing for the annual CCJLS Premium Sale in early January and the Ca$h Scramble dinner/auction benefit.
Equity Statement
HCBC encourages participation by all youth, from all areas of Cooke County. HCBC knows that engagement as an exhibitor at the annual Cooke Co Jr. Livestock Show is an uplifting experience, which challenges a young person to lean forward and accept challenge. The dedication of weeks or months working toward a goal is a valuable lesson, which culminates in a competition against others who have endeavored in a like project. Win or lose, the exhibitor LEARNS. The outcome is valuable, belongs to them and builds character.
Many 4-H, FFA and FCCLA members are "on track" for the annual showcase event due to prior family involvement, but HCBC recognizes that there are other local youth whose families are not aware that such an opportunity exists, or perhaps feel that it is only open to "farm kids" or may be apprehensive of the online show entry process. HCBC leaders have the experience and motivation to bridge the gap and connect mentors with families who want to take the next step. HCBC has made the initial steps to reach out to traditionally underserved segments of the youth population, particularly those enrolled in special education programs, or who reside in urban areas, to improve understanding and access to the show's opportunities.
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Organization Data
Gainesville, TX 76241