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Fair Foundation

Our Mission

The Alameda County Fair Foundation’s mission is to expand opportunities for youth engagement, create educational programs, and fund capital projects that will strengthen the viability and relevancy of the Fair for future generations.

Our Vision

For more than 100 years, Alameda County Fairgrounds has played an integral role in the preservation, promotion, and advancement of Alameda County’s rich agricultural heritage. The Fair Foundation aims to drive youth engagement with agriculture through innovative, technology-based educational programs and facilities.

Boy in garden

Our First Project: The Farm

Imagine a modern working farm on the Alameda County Fairgrounds: fruits and vegetables; livestock and pollinators; labs, kitchens, and Agriculture Technology. As a year-round field trip destination, The Farm will integrate living features with a state-of-the-art education center.
The Alameda County Fair Foundation is striving to bring this extraordinary resource to our community.

Become a Fair Foundation Heritage Member

The Fair Foundation’s Heritage Membership was developed for people who are committed to the mission of the Foundation. Your yearly contribution supports the future of the Fairgrounds and the Foundation’s first project, The Farm.

In appreciation for your commitment, Heritage Members receive exclusive gifts and membership benefits. Visit our Heritage Membership page to learn more or join today.

The Foundation Board

Executive Board

Paul Banke – President
Rose Johnson – Vice President
Joe Johal – Secretary
Patrick O’Brien – Treasurer

2024 Board Members

Allen Aldrich
Merry Carter
Doug Dahlin
Aisha Knowles
Paul Martin
Bob McManus
George Pacheco
Bob Silva
Bill Wheeler
Robin Wilma

Founding Funders

 

Allen Aldrich
Fair Board Director

Paul Banke
Foundation President

Faye Cater
Former Executive Director

Doug Dahlin
Chairman, Dahlin Group

Dawna Dowdell-Dos Santos
Fair Board Director Emeritus

Gordon Galvan
Former President, Fair Board

Patsy Gilbert
Lifetime Fair Advocate

 Jerome Hoban
CEO, Alameda County Fair

Joe Johal

 

Rose Johnson
Fair Board Director

Nick Nicora

Patrick O’Brien
CFO, Leisure Sports Inc

George and Lynn Pacheco
Fair Board Director

Bob Silva
Fair Board Director Emeritus

Tim Weaver
President, Fair Board

Eric P. Wente
Chairman, Wente Vineyards

Bill Wheeler
CEO, Black Tie Transportation

Robin Wilma
Fair Board Director

 

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