Iowa 4-H Foundation

Posted on April 12, 2011 at 11:22 AM by Global Reach

Matt RogersMatt Rogers was active in 4-H as a member of the Franklin’s Future 4-H club in Cass County.  Even after graduating from high school, Matt’s passion for the 4-H program and for the Cass County Fair was evident.  

Matt joined the Cass County Fairboard in the fall of 2003. But long before joining the Fairboard, Matt worked along side his dad helping with fair preparation and clean-up, and helping the Fairboard run the tractor pulls.

As a Fairboard member Matt planned and organized the Chuckwagon food stand and put many long hours working at the window and greeting the public.

His passion for anything that had an engine came in helpful as he organized the antique tractor and garden tractor pulls.

Matt enjoyed all aspects of being a Fairboard member, but his favorite perks were the banana cream pies and the after fair Fairboard parties.

Matt was tragically killed in an automobile accident in April of 2006, at the age of 25; cutting short the life of this dedicated 4-H volunteer.  

The Cass County Fairboard dedicated the 2006 Cass County Fair in memory of their friend and fellow Fairboard member Matt Rogers.

Green ribbons hang around the Cass County Fairgrounds and are worn by many who knew and loved Matt. The green ribbons serve as a reminder of the gifts Matt left behind. Matt had a big heart and was always ready to help someone in need. He signed on to be an organ donor when he turned 16 and encouraged his family to do the same. The green ribbons symbolize organ and tissue donation awareness. Matt will live on in the hearts of family and friends as well as the organ recipients he never met.

Matt’s love for the Cass County Fair will always be remembered. Matt could always be counted on to have a positive attitude. His Happy go-lucky personality and ability to talk to people made him a great asset to the Cass County Fairboard and to Cass County 4-H program.

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Categories: Cass

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