First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan Chairs 4-H Charity, Raffles John Deere Tractor

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan today received a John Deere lawn tractor from Agriculture Director Joe Hampton for the 4-H CAN Make a Difference Food Drive and Fundraiser.

Illinois 4-H will sell raffle tickets for the donated lawn tractor, valued at $2,000, to raise money for their annual food drive. Mrs. Ryan is the Honorary Chair of the 1999 4-H fund raising campaign. Fairgoers can bring non-perishable items to the tent and purchase tickets while there.

"The 4-H food drive is an important annual effort that makes a distinct difference for a number of Illinois families," Mrs. Ryan said. "I encourage everyone who comes to the State Fair to bring non-perishable food to donate to the 4-H effort," she added.

Mrs. Ryan said $5 tickets would be sold during the Illinois State Fair at the 4-H tent, on the south lawn of the Emerson Building, adjacent to the First Lady's tent. The John Deere mower will be on display outside of the tent throughout the fair.

"Over the past three years, 4-H members have shown that they can indeed make a difference by collecting more than 15 tons of food," Hampton explained. "Thanks to the generosity of John Deere, 4-H members will be able to put more food on the tables of families in need."

The drawing for the lawn tractor will be held on the final day of the Illinois State Fair, Sunday, Aug. 22. All proceeds from the raffle will be used to purchase food for the 4-H food drive.