Emerson Bendickson named Iowan of the Day

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DES MOINES, IA (08/08/2022) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Emerson Bendickson of Panora as an Iowan of the Day for the 2022 Iowa State Fair.

Three years ago, at age 6, Emerson Bendickson saw an opportunity to make a difference in her community. She noticed other students were not getting milk with their school lunch because extra milk wasn't covered under the free/reduced meal plan. Emerson wanted to make a difference for the kids in her class and took it upon herself to raise money to provide extra milk for the rest of the school year. She collected pop cans and with the help of her parents, started a GoFundMe page.

The Panora community supported Emerson's project. She raised enough money to provide extra milk for the kids in need for not only the rest of the school year, but for the following school year as well. Emerson was nominated as Citizen of the Month and graciously donated the award's prize money to the school's extra milk fund. At this young age, Emerson has learned the value of giving back to those in her community.

Emerson's day of recognition will be Monday, August 15 at the 2022 Iowa State Fair. She will be recognized with a presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley stage at 12:00 PM. Along with accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, she will receive a gift bag, Grandstand Concert tickets, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, a cash prize, Iowa State Fair admission tickets, and VIP parking.

Founded in 1997, the Iowan of the Day program allows the Blue Ribbon Foundation to recognize Iowa's most outstanding individuals. The program continues to honor Iowans across the state who have made a difference in the lives of others, while upholding the characteristics associated with Iowa- dependability, integrity, hard work and sense of community.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated $170 million for renovations and improvements to the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please visit www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org or contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.