4-H Honors Longstanding Partner Tractor Supply Company at Annual Legacy Awards Gala

Agriculture pioneer, autism activist Temple Grandin receives 4-H Distinguished Alumni Medallion

NEW YORK, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This evening, National 4-H Council will hold its annual 4-H Legacy Awards Gala at the Hilton New York in New York City. Now in its fourth year, this special evening of celebration honors the remarkable achievements of individuals and corporations that have made lasting contributions in support of the 7 million 4-H young people around the world. Since its inception, the 4-H Legacy Awards have raised more than $2 million for 4-H programs.

This year, the 4-H Legacy Awards will honor Tractor Supply Company (TSC) with the 4-H Corporate Leadership Award; Temple Grandin, Ph.D. with the 4-H Distinguished Alumni Medallion; and Oklahoma 4-H'er Elisabeth Willis with the 4-H Youth in Action Award.

"4-H makes a significant, positive difference in the lives of young people all around the world. From working to feed a hungry planet, to driving STEM workforce development and improving the health and wellness of youth, their families and their communities, 4-H changes young lives." said Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of National 4‑H Council. "Our honorees tonight are amazing individuals and corporate partners that help us deliver on this important mission. We will celebrate their remarkable contributions and reflect on all that we have been able to accomplish together."

Greg Sandfort, president and CEO of Tractor Supply Company, will accept the 4-H Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of the company. The annual award is presented to a corporation or partner that has demonstrated its dedication to 4-H through continued support and engagement. TSC and 4-H share the belief that youth development is vital to the success of our nation. Their investment of more than $3 million has positively impacted young people in more than 1,200 unique communities nationwide.

TSC stores have been investing in 4-H locally for many years, but a national partnership, developed in 2010, launched new semi-annual, in-store Paper Clover fundraisers across the nation in more than 1,200  TSC stores. TSC is helping to fund the various ways that millions of 4-H young people are learning life skills, citizenship and leadership qualities, and ultimately emerging as the future leaders of America.

Temple Grandin, Ph.D. will be presented with the 4-H Distinguished Alumni Medallion. Dr. Grandin is a world famous animal scientist, researcher and professor at Colorado State University. She is known for her revolutionary work in the livestock industry, and as an animal welfare and autism activist. A bestselling author whose life story sparked a self-titled, award-winning HBO biopic, Temple has inspired individuals worldwide. As a New Hampshire 4-H alumna, Dr. Grandin believes that exposing youth to agriculture at an early age will jump start their interest in a variety of future STEM careers.

The 4-H Youth in Action Award will be presented to Elisabeth Willis, an inspiring high-school student from Pittsburg County, Oklahoma who has made a significant impact in her community by single handedly raising $10,000 for the Therapeutic Equestrian Association of McAlester (TEAM)—a non-profit organization dedicated to helping youth and adults access equine therapy. In addition, Elisabeth helped establish a local TEAM 4-H club to raise awareness for the program. In addition to her passion for helping others, Elisabeth has served as an Oklahoma State 4-H Ambassador and through 4-H has learned the power of leadership and personal responsibility.

For more information on the 4-H Legacy Awards Gala and its honorees, visit www.4-H.org/gala.

About 4-H

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. The 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

SOURCE National 4-H Council