On behalf of the Delaware County Farm Bureau I want to thank the Delaware community for supporting our second annual Benefit in the Barn. Nearly 700 people were in attendance for an outstanding meal provided by All Occasions Banquet and Catering and an energetic concert by the Central Ohio Symphony. Even though the event was cut short by threatening weather, it generated a $30,150 donation to support programs of the Delaware County Hunger Alliance.

The Gary Skinner family served as wonderful hosts and we extend our thanks to them for providing a beautiful venue. Our thanks go to everyone who attended. We also extend special thanks to All Occasions Banquet and Catering for donating the food and to the Delaware County Foundation through the Robert Weiler and Charles H. and Betty Sheets Funds for underwriting the Central Ohio Symphony.

During the evening Marlene Casini and the Foundation also awarded “surprise” $1,000 grants to the Delaware County Agricultural Society, the Ohio 4-H Foundation, the Ohio FFA Foundation and the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to sample Ohio beer and wine provided by Restoration Brew Worx and the Powel Village Winery. Thank you.

We extend a big thank you to our major sponsors including: Agee, Clymer, Mitchell and Portman, Delaware County Bank and Trillium Farms. Supporting Sponsors included: Bret Davis Seeds; Champion Feed and Pet Supply; Farm Credit; First Citizens National Bank; Kalmbach Feeds and Dawson Farms; Maloney and Novotny; Ohio Beef Council; Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association; Ohio Farm Bureau; Ohio Health; POET; Richwood Bank; SFM Insurance and Wright Moore Law Offices. Sponsors included: Beck’s Seeds; Price Farm Organics and Trimble Insurance. Thanks also to Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio’s Ag Net for providing root beer floats for everyone in attendance.

We are appreciative of the many volunteers provided by Farm Bureau, Hunger Alliance and the Delaware United Way. They helped tremendously in making sure those in attendance had a memorable experience.

Thank you to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department and Delaware County EMS personnel for being on-site and keeping us informed of incoming weather. We are sorry that we had to conclude the event early, but felt that the safety of everyone in attendance was paramount.

Regardless, the food and beverages were excellent and the Central Ohio Symphony provided outstanding entertainment and we were able to provide a significant donation to help fight hunger in our community.

We hope to see all of you next year.

– Zach Taylor, President

Delaware County Farm Bureau