Jody Reynolds named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/23/2019) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Jody Reynolds of Des Moines as an Iowan of the Day for the 2019 Iowa State Fair.

Jody continually went above and beyond in her community to make it a better place for everyone. Jody passed away on June 3, 2019, after a very brief and courageous fight with lung cancer, but her legacy will live on. The Blue Ribbon Foundation would like to honor the Reynolds family in memory of Jody and her charitable life.

Jody joined the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., and worked in Vietnam and South Korea. She was among the first American women to serve in the Vietnam War - an experience that no doubt fueled her lifelong desire to always serve others. Jody and her husband Stan's third child, Brigid, died when she was just one year old from complications originating at birth. When Stan and Jody drove back from the funeral Jody said, "We are going to make her life count." And they did. They became involved with Variety - The Children's Charity. The couple has devoted their lives to serving children who are sick or have special needs. Jody's passion and drive led her to become the first female president of Variety - The Children's Charity of Iowa and the first female president of Variety International. Jody helped raise over $100 million in her lifetime for Variety.

Jody's day of recognition will be Thursday, August 8th at the 2019 Iowa State Fair. Her family will be recognized with a presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley stage at 2:00 p.m.

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 $150 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information visit our website at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org, contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

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