With roots deep in Kentucky 4-H, Dr. Jerry Westerfield has always remembered the lessons and values that 4-H taught him growing up as a child on a dairy farm near Hartford, Ky., the county seat in Ohio County.
One of six boys, Dr. Westerfield’s parents encouraged he and his brothers to become involved in Kentucky 4-H. From attending 4-H camp and winning district and state level competitions to becoming the state 4-H president in 1960-61, 4-H was always a major part of Dr. Westerfield’s life. To this day, Dr. Westerfield is grateful for his 4-H experience in the organization
“4-H did so much for me growing up,” said Dr. Westerfield. “It taught me responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of hard work, but it also helped build my self-confidence and broadened my horizons outside of Ohio County, Kentucky. I have used the lessons and values that I learned in 4-H throughout my whole life – from high school to med school and still to this day practicing medicine.”
Now Dr. Westerfield is giving back in big way. Kentucky 4-H Foundation has named Dr. Westerfield, a diagnostic radiologist at the Russell County Hospital in Russell Springs, as the first Lifetime Investor and member of the Foundation’s Leadership Circle after he donated $10,000 to establish the organization’s Leadership Circle Endowment.
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation Leadership Circle was instituted in 2011 to recognize donors of substantial, unrestricted annual gifts of $1,000 or more to the Foundation. These donations go into the Foundation’s annual fund, which is used by the Foundation’s Board of Directors to support 4-H programs not associated with designated donors and to grow financial support for Kentucky 4-H.
“I hope my donation encourages others to give to the Foundation to support these important programs,” Dr. Westerfield said. “4-H is such a great organization and has done so much for me. I want it to continue to positively impact the lives of Kentucky youth and give students opportunities that they wouldn’t have without 4-H.”
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is honored to have Dr. Westerfield as our first lifetime investor of the Leadership Circle. He is a great leader and wonderful role model for the Kentucky 4-H program. We are extremely grateful for his contributions to our community and his generous donation to the Foundation.
