Kane farm bureau’s ‘Harvest for ALL’ earns top award
Kane County Farm Bureau recently accepted the highest award an association can receive at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Characterized by one industry publication as “the Nobel Prize of Associations,” the Summit Awards honor organizations that advance the United States and the world through their work.
ASAE, the Center for Association Leadership, formerly the American Society of Association Executives, handed out just six Summit Awards in 2011. Entered in the category “The Power to Enrich Lives,” Kane County Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for ALL” hunger relief effort was celebrated for its extraordinary contributions to society.
“Harvest for ALL” allows farmers to donate a portion of their harvest to a local food pantry of their choice. Nearly three dozen farms in Kane County, sites where crop proceeds have been pledged to local food pantries, have signs promoting the hunger relief effort and encouraging others to participate. Farm Bureau members have joined together to contribute more than $50,000 to restock local food pantry shelves.
While the farm bureau and its volunteers are a part of a state and national organization, it was the only recipient to win as a local chapter. By that measure, the accomplishment meant even more.
“To be recognized among these national organizations that are carrying out such impressive programs is a tremendous honor,” said Steve Arnold, KCFB Manager, “the success of Harvest for ALL is a testament to the spirit of community support that has always existed among our members and volunteers.”
Arnold and Information Director Ryan Klassy, who coordinates the Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for ALL” program, attended the Summit Awards Dinner held at the National Building Museum on Oct. 5.
The organizations that joined the Kane County Farm Bureau in being honored by ASAE included: American Occupational Therapy Association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Million Dollar Round Table, National Industries for the Blind, and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. The awards call attention to the difference associations are making in the community and the world.
ASAE produced a three-minute video for each of the award recipients. Each video was played for the audience of more than 1,100 association executives, business and political leaders from across the country. Representatives were congratulated by ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV and representatives of the committee responsible for evaluating the award applications.
As he accepted the award on stage, Arnold said he received a special comment of encouragement from committee co-chair Matthew Shay, CEO of the National Retail Federation. “Matthew stopped me and said how impressed he was with the Harvest for ALL program,” said Arnold. “He actually said it gave him goose bumps when he read our application. That’s very gratifying, and humbling at the same time.”
“Kane County Farm Bureau’s program epitomizes how associations are committed to making meaningful contributions to society,” said John H. Ganoe, CAE, Association Management Group Inc., chairman of The Power of A Awards Judging Committee. “It illustrates in a substantive, tangible way how the dedication of association professionals and association members across the country and around the world can help others.”
Named after a national Farm Bureau campaign, Harvest for ALL has provided an estimated 350,000 meals in Kane County through contributions to more than 20 local food pantries, with additional contributions coming in from the 2011 harvest.
The Summit Award will be displayed at the Farm Bureau office and will serve as a reminder of the results that Farm Bureau member volunteers are producing through innovative programs. Additionally, future Kane County Farm Bureau correspondence and publications will carry “The Power of (A)* Summit Award Winner” badge in recognition of member support and contributions to making a better world through association programs.
Information about the “Harvest for ALL” program, including a participation form, is available at www.kanecfb.com or by calling the Kane County Farm Bureau at (630) 584-8660.
Kane County Farm Bureau is a nonprofit membership association serving members, local agricultural producers and Kane County communities since 1912. With over 18,000 member families, Farm Bureau membership is open to all in Kane County who support a stable, profitable and permanent agricultural sector as a vital part of a strong economy in a free society.