Last year, the Lebanon County 4-H Dairy Beef Club sold a steer for $28,000, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofit the Lebanon Rescue Mission. This year, 17-year-old club member Caleb Nolt continued this generosity on his own.
Read More: Ag community boosts rescue mission at charity auction during Lebanon Area Fair
Wednesday at the Lebanon Area Fair, Nolt sold a steer for a whopping $20,000 total, with proceeds benefiting Lebanon County Christian Ministries.
LCCM guest research specialist Beverly Faustinelli called the donation “a blessing,” noting the organization’s work connecting low-income Lebanon residents to food, shelter, clothing, and resources.
“Lebanon County has a lot of poverty and we’re trying to help our residents stay afloat,” she said. “I know this is going to help out 100 percent towards that.”
Nolt said that after being a part of the dairy beef club’s charity auction last year, he was inspired to do the same as an individual.
“This year, I personally wanted to contribute back to the community, so I took it upon myself and not having the club have to worry about it,” said Nolt. “Giving back to the community is what 4-H is all about; that’s something I really cherish in my mind.
“I have years left in 4-H and even in FFA — this isn’t my last sale. So being able to do something like this, I still have plenty of sales and opportunities to do this if I really want to.”
The Wenger Foundation first purchased the steer for $18,000, but chose to rebid it, with it then being sold to Bell & Evans for $20,000. Nolt said he was happy with the results of the auction.
“Just seeing the way that people can come together and raise money for a really good cause is amazing,” said Nolt.
On his choice of LCCM as a benefactor, Nolt said that he connected to their Christian values and dedication to the community.
“I think growing up in a Christian home definitely reflects back on me and where my priorities sit in terms of a ministry,” explained Nolt.
Nolt urged other youth in 4-H and the community at large to do what they can to give back.
“I think just finding an organization or a program that you cherish or you want to partake in, just reach out, get to know people, and see what the community is about,” said Nolt when asked how other teens can get involved helping their community. “I definitely recommend it, it’s just special.”
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