SALT LAKE CITY – In commemoration of its 100th anniversary, Intermountain Farmer’s Association dedicated the milestone year to a noteworthy program of community service. Each IFA branch aimed to volunteer for 100 hours throughout 2023, contributing more than 3,500 hours to various community service projects throughout the Intermountain West.
The service endeavors varied widely, ranging from volunteering at the local county fair to repairing a flood-stricken backyard to tying blankets for kids in need.
“One of our core values is to be a visible and desired member of the community,” Adam Fox, IFA creative director, said in a news release. “This 100 Hours of Service initiative was instrumental in helping our employees embody that value and give back to Intermountain West communities that have supported us over the past 100 years.”
Here are just a few examples:
- Restoring a single mother’s backyard: In Southern Utah, the IFA Country Store in Cedar City and the Southern Utah Agronomy Center collaborated for more than 200 hours to renovate the backyard of a single mother of three, Heather. Severe flooding had ruined the yard, but the team worked together to plant grass seed, lay gravel, and more. “Outside of her two jobs, Heather is a pastor who volunteers her time by visiting with the elderly on hospice. She has always given back to others, so it was great to give back to her in this way,” said Sam Mortensen, branch manager of the Cedar City IFA Store.
- Providing warmth and comfort to vulnerable children: The IFA corporate office staff tied and donated over 100 fleece blankets to the Utah Children's Justice Center and Salt Lake City Police Department. "Serving the community is essential not only for our IFA brand, but for each of us as individuals," said Mikyla Bagley, coordinator of the project. "These blankets will provide not only warmth but a gift of love and support to those in need."
- Funding a widow’s medical bills: Tremonton IFA partnered with professional bull rider Tyler Bingham to host a fundraising event, “Bucking Bulls for a Good Cause” for a widowed mother of six in their community who had suffered a stroke. The event, which included four professional bull riders and three mini bull riders, raised money to help cover this family’s medical expenses.
IFA also contributed $267,000 to local organizations, community events, and youth livestock shows.
