4-H Members fund scholarships through Pig Raffle ticket sales

Published: 2019
By Campbell Barrett

For decades, Missoula County 4-Hers have sold tickets for the annual Hog Raffle fundraiser. What started as a thousand-dollar fundraiser with two prizes and $1 tickets has progressed to a first-class operation with 14 ways to win, cash incentives for top sellers, and expanded scholarship opportunities for 4-H members and the adult volunteers who support them. A change in tactics in 2019 led to a record-breaking profit of more than $11,500 – a more than 300% increase over the past five-year average. Area businesses donate prizes, and cash incentives are awarded to the top ticket sellers. Members who sell tickets are raising money for their own benefit. They are more invested in the program and are more likely to participate in educational and leadership events outside of their 4-H club with the financial support provided by this fundraiser. Graduating Senior 4-H members can apply for one of three $1000 college scholarships. Up to $5000 is budgeted for Missoula teens to attend Montana 4-H Congress where they develop leadership skills, meet teens with similar interests from across the state, and compete in state-level contests. Thousands of dollars are budgeted to support award winners on national trips and send volunteers to additional trainings to improve their skills. Opportunities funded through pig raffle ticket sales just in the past six months include: - Eighteen Missoula teens attended Montana 4-H Congress in Bozeman in July to compete in State 4-H Contests. Lindsey Knight, a Junior at Frenchtown High, won the Video Contest, and Kara Klietz, a Senior at Frenchtown, was selected as a State 4-H Ambassador Officer. Lindsey will attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta in November. - Six Missoula 4-H teens attended State 4-H Ambassador Training in Bozeman in October. - Two Missoula teens competed at the State 4-H Western Heritage Project competition. - Three Missoula 4-H volunteers attending shooting sports leader trainings to improve their teaching skills and increase opportunities for youth.