Pioneer Hi-Bred Pledges $150,000 to Support Iowa 4-H Youth Programs

Contribution Launches President’s Campaign Fundraising Effort

DES MOINES, Iowa. – Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, today announced a $150,000 matching gift pledge to the Iowa 4-H Foundation to support youth programs. The contribution launches the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s President’s Campaign fundraising effort.

“4-H makes a positive impact on our communities and youth through programs that support agriculture, benefit youth and impact education,” said Bill Tomlinson, Iowa 4-H Foundation board president and Pioneer Hi-Bred production director. “We are proud to support the 4-H programs across the state that help create the next generation of active citizens and community leaders.”

As part of the President’s Campaign, Pioneer will match contributions to the Iowa 4-H Foundation dollar for dollar up to $150,000 during Bill Tomlinson’s tenure as Iowa 4-H Foundation board president. His term runs through September 2010.

Pioneer has a long tradition of supporting 4-H. In a 2004 President’s Campaign, Pioneer contributed $150,000 toward an overall campaign result of $450,000 to support volunteer leader development, 4-H after school programs, a paved road to the 4-H Center, state 4-H recognition and National 4-H Congress.

”This gift is an amazing investment in our youth,” said Joe Leisz, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “It will help us keep 4-H strong in every county in Iowa as our growing program expands its membership with more than 110,000 youth participants. We hope this gift will inspire others and help us grow the next generation of Iowa’s leaders.”

The Iowa 4-H Foundation provides the financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs throughout the state of Iowa. The opportunities it helps provide to young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication, and life skills – tools that will give them a competitive edge in their future endeavors. Contributions to the Iowa 4-H Foundation can be made online at www.iowa4hfoundation.org Leaving Pioneer.com.