Leo Chisholm named Iowan of the Day

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Leo Chisholm of Osage

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

Chisholm started a food bank in Osage 26 years ago and has volunteered over 18,000 hours of his time purchasing food and stocking shelves. Since its creation, Chisholm has started a nonprofit organization for the food bank and has served over 22,000 people. Chisholm is a cancer survivor and is involved with the American Cancer Society. He serves on the Advisory Counsel for the state of Iowa giving advice and guidance to new cancer patients. Chisholm volunteers with the Relay for Life Program and has raised $5,000 each year for the organization. He is also the vice president of the Mitchell County Memorial Foundation and has helped raise money for hospital improvements. In addition, Chisholm is active in his church and has been visiting homebound and shut-in individuals for the past 35 years.

"He's an energetic man who doesn't say no when asked to chair or help on any project," said Cindy Ehrisman, Chisholm's daughter and nominator. "He touches the lives of many people each day." Chisholm is deserving of the Iowan of the Day award because of his endless years of service to his community and Iowa.

Chisholm's day of recognition will be Saturday, August 20 at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. Along with a one night's stay at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, Chisholm will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Chisholm will also receive a special introduction at 2:15 p.m. August 20 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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