Released Feb. 15, 2008
COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- The release of a new Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream by Blue Bell Creameries is a prime example of how businesses and corporations see the value of 4-H, said a Texas 4-H spokesman.
“Blue Bell Creameries and other businesses realize that 4-H helps develop responsible young people with positive qualities that employers are looking for in today’s workforce,” said Toby Lepley, Texas AgriLife Extension Service 4-H and youth development specialist.
The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program is associated with AgriLife Extension, an agency of the Texas A&M University System.
“Being in 4-H gives young people a competitive advantage when entering the workforce because 4-H helps them acquire leadership and life skills that are essential in business,” Lepley said.
He added that Blue Bell’s release of the new ice cream “reflects the value that businesses and corporations in Texas and the U.S. see in 4-H efforts toward developing youth and producing tomorrow’s leaders.”
Blue Bell recently created its distinctive cake batter ice cream with chocolate frosting swirl, yellow cake pieces and four-leaf clover sprinkles, representing the 4-H emblem, in honor of the 100th birthday of the organization.
The “Little Creamery in Brenham,” which celebrated its own centennial birthday last year, will donate a portion of Centennial Cupcake sales to support 4-H programs.
“Blue Bell’s donation from these ice cream sales will allow us to build our 4-H educational outreach and strengthen our programs in both urban and rural areas of Texas,” Lepley said.
The new flavor is already available in stores and is being sold throughout Texas and the rest of Blue Bell’s 17-state distribution area, said Blue Bell CEO chief executive officer and president Paul Kruse.
“4-H is a national organization that benefits so many young people,” Kruse said. “Our inspiration came from the Texas organization’s 100th birthday, but we felt it was important to recognize all 4-H groups.”
Kruse added that the company’s support of Texas 4-H was a natural fit because both organizations are strong contributors to the growth and well-being of Texas agriculture.
“The 4-H program provides school-aged children with the kinds of real world experiences that are valuable later on when they get into the workforce,” he said. “The hands-on training and practice that these young people receive in areas such as leadership, responsibility and life skills are the kinds of qualities that Blue Bell looks for when making hiring decisions.”
Texas 4-H has formed alliances with other businesses, including Monsanto, John Deere and La Quinta Inn & Suites, as well as the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers organizations, said Jim Reeves, executive director for the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation.
“In financial terms, private and corporate businesses get an excellent ‘return on investment’ for the support they provide the 4-H organization through their alliance,” Reeves said.
4-H has more than 7 million members in the U.S. There are more than 625,000 young people ages 5 to 18 involved in the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, offered in all 254 counties, making it the state’s largest youth organization. Texas 4-H also has more than 17,000 elected positions that provide young people with additional opportunities for leadership and personal development.
Lepley said the four “H’s” – head, heart, hands and health – continue to be the core of the organization, and that 4-H projects, activities and events help young people become contributing, productive, self-directed members of society.
“4-H helps young people get better prepared for life,” he said. “We’re glad businesses acknowledge the value of 4-H, and we’re especially glad that Blue Bell chose such a unique and special way to recognize Texas 4-H and the impact it has on our youth.”
More information on Texas 4-H can be found at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ .
For more information on the Texas 4-H Foundation, go to http://www.Texas4hfoundation.org .
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http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=354
Contacts: Paul Schattenberg, (210) 467-6575, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Toby Lepley, (979) 845-1212, t-lepley@tamu.edu