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Ben and David Arthur (from left to right) participated in the 2007 Rutherford County Livestock Show, one of several activities supported with funds from the B. F. Womack 4-H Endowment. Download this image

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.) – The 4-H youth programs of Rutherford County will be celebrating the new year with humble gratitude. A gift agreement between Lucy Whitesell, of Murfreesboro, and University of Tennessee Extension has established a $50,000 perpetual endowment to support 4-H program work in Rutherford County.

Mrs. Whitesell established the endowment to honor the memory of her father, the late B. Frank Womack, a well-known farmer, cattle breeder, and auctioneer who lived in Rutherford County for many years. He was also an avid fan of 4-H.

While area youth are already benefitting from the endowment, Mrs. Whitesell's gift will be formally recognized January 12, 2008, at the Rutherford County Extension's annual 4-H celebration banquet.

Womack and his wife, the late Eloise Womack, were involved with the 4-H program when their children, Lucy and Ben, participated as youth in 4-H activities. A love of farming and his desire to help young people experience what it was like to farm and raise cattle kept the senior Womack involved in youth activities well after his children completed their 4-H project work.

Mrs. Whitesell wanted to create a lasting way to remember her father and a means whereby 4-H’ers can continue to benefit through participation in livestock programs and other activities conducted by Rutherford County Extension.

DeWayne Trail, director of UT Extension in Rutherford County, said his office is honored by the gift. “The University of Tennessee and Rutherford County Extension greatly appreciate Lucy Whitesell’s generous donation. Her support will benefit youth in the area for years to come,” he said.

Trail indicated that the earnings from the endowment will be used for various purposes related to 4-H junior livestock activities. This could include scholarships for 4-H’ers who are entering college, funds to offset the cost of purchasing 4-H project animals, assistance with the cost of raising and caring for project animals, stipend awards for 4-H’ers who attend beef training workshops, and funds to help offset the cost associated with an annual “AG DAY” at the Lane Agri-Park. Trial also said youth who participate in 4-H activities gain valuable life skills.

The endowment is open to additional donations. Anyone interested in sponsoring the positive development of local youth can contact Trail at the UT Extension office in Rutherford County, (615) 898-7710.

Mrs. Whitesell says her father would have found it heart warming to see the responsibility assumed as well as the leadership and citizenship demonstrated by those who benefit from this endowment as they grow, mature and take their place as community citizens.

A 1941 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a major in animal husbandry, Frank Womack served as Chairman of the National Alumni Board of Governor’s during the 1960's. He was also well known in Rutherford and surrounding counties due to his civic commitment. Womack’s other community activities included membership in the First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club, Sportsman Club, and the Middle Tennessee State University Foundation. Womack served as a director of the Mid South Bank & Trust Company for 41 years, and he was a veteran of World War II.

The 4-H Program is the youth development organization of UT Extension. More than 335,000 youth in Tennessee participate in 4-H programs, activities and events, including in-school programs, after-school programs, camping programs and school enrichment. 4-H serves rural youth as well as young people who live in the inner cities, urban areas and suburban areas of the state.

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Contact:
DeWayne Trail, UT Extension Rutherford County, (615) 898-7710