Mary Ellen Kimball Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (08/05/2010)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Mary Ellen Kimball of Osceola as an Iowan of the Day for the 2010 Iowa State Fair.

An asset to many community projects, Mary Ellen "has been brightening the lives around her, working to make Iowa shine and radiating the true meaning of being an Iowan for years," explains nominator Dr. James Kimball.

Mary Ellen has worked for her county, as well as the Iowa State Arts Council, Iowa Substance Abuse Council, the Iowa State Fair and the Des Moines Leadership Institute. However, those organizations only begin to describe her dedication to helping others. Mary Ellen created the Chamber of Commerce's Welcome Newcomer service and voluntarily visited every new family for almost 5 years. She has served on many boards of directors including the Ballet Iowa, Iowa Society for Marketing and Public Relations and the Community Living Foundation. Mary Ellen has involved herself in every aspect of her community creating an impact in many facet of our state.

Mary Ellen Kimball will be honored Thursday, August 19 at the Iowa State Fair. In addition to a one night stay at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, Mary Ellen will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets, one year subscriptions to the Iowan and Iowa Gardening magazines, and special use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Mary Ellen will also receive a special introduction at 2:15 p.m. August 19 on the Anne & 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.