Pat Burch named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (08/01/2024) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Pat Burch of Norwalk as an Iowan of the Day for the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Pat has volunteered locally and statewide for various organizations for decades, including the Order of the Eastern Star and the American Red Cross of Greater Iowa. In recent years, Pat has focused on the National Quilts of Valor Foundation. Since 2019, Pat has provided quilts to over 250 veterans and active duty service men and women. Her efforts have touched American heroes across the state, the country, and the globe.

Pat began her work with Quilts of Valor by helping give 20 quilts to veterans in the Eastern Masonic Home in Boone. Pat's efforts continued with the help of 5 other high school classmates, as they made 51 quilts for the veterans in her class and presented them at their 55th class reunion in 2021. On June 21 of this year, Pat organized more than 60 people in four separate locations to make Quilts of Valor on a single day. She ensured that fabric and patterns were purchased, kits were assembled, and all necessary supplies were available at each location. The result was over 50 finished quilts.

Pat's day of recognition will be Friday, August 9th at the 2024 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 more than $200 million for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 1-800-450-3732 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

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