BNSF Railway provides major gift to State Fair Foundation

PIERRE, S.D. – The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Foundation recently presented the South Dakota State Fair Foundation with a $50,000 gift toward the fairgrounds’ Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth, and Community.

“The BNSF Railway Foundation is pleased to contribute toward the State Fair’s new exhibit hall. It will be a place that so many South Dakotans will use and visit every year, and we’re proud to be a partner in it,” said Amy McBeth, director of public affairs, BNSF Railway.

“With the new exhibit hall’s construction beginning this month, we are excited to accept this generous gift from the BNSF Railway Foundation. This railroad has played an essential role throughout South Dakota’s history, and we are happy to have this organization as one of our major supporters,” commented Loren Noess, Capital Campaign Chair.

Over the past several months, the South Dakota State Fair Foundation has been carrying out a capital campaign for the exhibit hall, which will be a statewide home for South Dakota 4-H; something not currently available for 4-H members. The building will be located on the site that once featured Clover Hall.

The 48,000-square-foot Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth, and Community will feature more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, multiple classrooms, a performance stage and a large kitchen for 4-H Special Foods competitions. Multiple 4-H activities and community and regional events will take place in this building year-round.

The BNSF Railway Foundation has supported and helped improve quality of life for thousands of communities across the 28 states BNSF operates in and where BNSF employees live, work and volunteer. BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies, with a rail network of 32,500 route miles in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of the products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply and power communities throughout America and the world.

To date, the South Dakota State Fair Foundation has raised $4 million of its $4.7 million goal. Those interested in supporting the Capital Campaign are invited to contact the State Fair Foundation at 605-553-4251 or visit www.sdstatefairfoundation.com.