PULLMAN, Wash. — A Spokane 4-H volunteer will receive the organization’s highest national award Saturday, Sept. 28, during Washington State University’s annual Land Grant Day celebration.
Jean Gulden, who will be presented the National Partner- In-4-H Award later in the day, will be introduced during the WSU-San Jose State football game at Martin Stadium.
Gulden developed “Every time… Every Ride,” a 23- minute educational video that helps horse riders make decisions about the use of protective head gear. More than 60 percent of all horse-related deaths involve head injuries, according to Harborview Injury, Prevention and Research Center in Seattle.
More than 3,500 copies of the tape have been distributed around the world. It has been widely praised in the horse industry and shown on public television.
“The video has already saved a child or two,” Gulden said. “That’s what it’s all about — educating people to make a wise choice.”
The Partner award is given in behalf of the Cooperative Extension System, the National 4-H Council, 4-H members and volunteers to organizations and individuals who have provided exemplary, significant and distinctive contributions to the 4-H program over several years.
Gulden, whose life was saved by a helmet when she was a child, suggested creation of the educational video after the state 4-H program decided to require members enrolled in horse projects to wear safety helmets.
Gulden raised more than $35,000 to finance the project, hired a production company, wrote a script and served as co- producer. Actor William Shatner narrated the video.
Other scheduled Land-Grant Day events include a 5 p.m. social hour and open pit barbecue at 5:30 p.m., both on the Rugby field; a 7 p.m. auction at the Livestock Pavilion followed by a western dance. The auction will benefit student groups in the College of Agriculture and Home Economics.
Tickets for all four events are $14 per person, $25 per couple and $7 for children 12 and under. Tickets for the dance alone are $3. Tickets will be sold at the door. Call (509) 335-CAHE for further information.
Land-Grant Day is the annual celebration of WSU’s origins as a land-grant institution. The university was founded in 1890 under the provisions of the Morrill Act, which provided grants of federal land for the support of colleges that would provide a practical education for the public, with special concern for those of rural background.
(Editors and Broadcasters: We would be happy to arrange personal or telephone interviews with Ms. Gulden (pronounced GHOUL-DEN) for you. I can also provide copies of her video. Contact Dennis Brown at (509) 335- 2930.)
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