John Rains named Iowan of the Day

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DES MOINES, IA (08/01/2011)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present John Rains of Urbandale as an Iowan of the Day for the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

John Rains has a strong desire to serve others and is dedicated to his community and his country. Rains served the Iowa National Guard for 26 years. His work with recruiting and retention made the Iowa Guard one of the best trained and most prepared forces in the nation. Rains is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for his church and has organized several cleaning days to maintain the facility. For the past 14 years, Rains has participated in the Read Across America program and reads to children in the classroom. He has also spent time teaching kids about respect for the American flag. He also works to improve his own neighborhood by keeping up repairs and maintenance of properties along his street.

Rains has also served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Johnston Lions Club. He has assisted with nearly all the community projects including: the annual book sale benefiting the Johnston Library, pancake breakfasts and selling several thousand dollars of advertising in the annual Johnston Sports Program.

"Our Johnston community and our Johnston Lions Club have been greatly improved because of John Rains," said Lyle Kreps, one of Rains' nominators. Rains is deserving of the Iowan of the Day award because of his endless years of service to his community and Iowa.

Rains' day of recognition will be Monday, August 15 at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. Along with a one night's stay at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, Rains will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Rains will also receive a special introduction at 2:30 p.m. August 15 on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

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

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $80 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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