Press Releases

August 15, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alaska State Fair and Friends Organize Donations for Long-time Volunteer

The Alaska State Fair Board of Directors has approved several proposals to raise funds for the family of long-time volunteer Joel Stefanski, who was recently injured on the Fair grounds. $2 from every daily Fair admission purchased on Tuesday, August 26 at any Fair grounds gate, from 2 p.m. to closing, will be donated to the Joel Stefanski Fund. This day is traditionally 2-Buck Tuesday at the Fair. To ensure that $2 from admission is donated to the fund, fairgoers should plan to attend between the hours of 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.  There will also be a donation box, located near the Woodlot Stage, arranged in Stefanski’s name. Fairgoers can visit the Woodlot throughout the Fair (Aug.21-Sept.1) to place a donation in the box.

Additionally, lumberjacks will make frequent, up-to-date announcements about Stefanski’s condition, his progress, and how spectators can help the family; these announcements will be made at the Woodlot and will occur throughout the Fair.

The Alaska State Fair encourages fairgoers and friends to help them raise donations for the Stefanski family in a time of need, and thanks everyone in advance for their care and concern. To read updates on Joel’s condition and to learn more about Joel himself, please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/joelstefanski.

Stefanski has helped with various aspects of the Fair for many years, and this year, was helping to remove and replace two 60-foot poles, used in the Lumberjack Games, when he fell nearly 20 feet, according to Fair manager Ray Ritari. Stefanski has been recovering in a Seattle hospital with wife Mindy at his side; he has already undergone surgery and may need more, said Mindy Stefanski.

Joel Stefanski and his family were named the Volunteers of the Year by the Alaska State Fair in 2004.