Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program is excited to announce the 10th annual Have a Heart for 4-H Green Tie Affair Dinner. The organization’s largest fundraiser has been set for Sunday, Feb. 25.

If it seems like short notice, you’re right! Plans are just coming together for an amazing evening with 4-H at a new location, The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. The 4-H Leadership has been working diligently to readjust after some unforeseen circumstances changed the profitability of hosting an event of this size at its former location. But worry no longer because the generous staff at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel have offered an exceptional evening in their unique and picturesque setting in Celoron.

As the menu is finalized, we wanted to release the details for this new location for another extraordinary 4-H Dinner, the 10th one to be exact! Did you know this 4-H fundraiser began as an effort to restore funding to the program back in 2012, when we served 900 dinners at the Falcons Nest. Since its inception the dinner has helped 4-H continue quality youth programming, developing leaders of tomorrow.

The proceeds of the 4-H Have a Heart for 4-H Green Tie Affair will be used for programming throughout 2024 and if possible, a portion of the funds will be deposited into the 4-H Endowment Fund with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. This endowment, also established in 2012, is designed to support the long-term commitment of 4-H youth development programming, aiding in financial support for the program for eternity.

The 10th Annual Have a Heart for 4-H Green Tie Affair begins at 3 p.m. with a basket raffle and bake sale. Dinner is served at 5 p.m. and the pie auction will follow.

The Green Tie Affair has become a necessary fundraiser for 4-H in Chautauqua County. This year 4-H hopes to raise $25,000. The Chautauqua County 4-H program serves approximately 300 youth with life-skills programming year-round. An additional 1,500 youth participate in one-time programming each year. 4-H connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society.

Typically, this event draws between 600 and 700 guests. Tickets are available for $25 at the 4-H Office located at the JCC Carnahan Center, 525 Falconer Street in Jamestown. Ticket prices increase to $30 after Feb. 16. Table sponsorships are available for $275.

Table sponsors receive 10 dinner tickets, basket raffle tickets, a custom centerpiece sign, recognition on a thank you banner, placemat, and in local press. Call the 4-H Office at 716-664-9502 x214 or visit https://chautauqua.cce.cornell.edu/events/2024/02/25/4-h-annual-green-tie-affair for more information. Monetary and basket raffle donations are being accepted at this time and may be dropped off at the 4-H Office.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit the website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua.