Lonestar Junior Exhibition Poultry Club

About us

A club built on birds, biosecurity and character

Lonestar Junior Exhibition Poultry Club is a non-profit club for young poultry exhibitors in Texas. Members raise healthy birds, compete at club-sanctioned shows, and build the leadership skills that outlast the show ring.

What we do

The club in practice

The project starts long before show day, in the daily work of raising a healthy flock. Whether a family is brand new to poultry or has shown for years, our members and volunteers help exhibitors grow their project, their bird knowledge and their confidence.

Club-Sanctioned shows

We assist with and attend club-sanctioned shows where members exhibit their birds and compete in showmanship classes judged on handling, knowledge and presentation.

Mentorship

Newer exhibitors are paired with experienced members and volunteers, so nobody has to work out bird selection or conditioning alone.

Project resources

Members get a full library of forms, standard operating procedures, record templates and manuals covering health records, biosecurity and flock management.

Scholarships and awards

The club awards scholarships and season awards to members, funded by sponsorship and fundraising.

We take animal welfare, biosecurity and good sportsmanship seriously — for each family’s flock, and for the wider poultry community.

Our status

A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit under IRS Section 509(a)(2)

“501(c)(3)” refers to the section of the US tax code that covers charitable and educational organizations. Being recognized under it means the club is organized for a public purpose rather than private gain, and that it is exempt from federal income tax on its charitable activities.

“509(a)(2)” refers to a nonprofit organization that is supported by the community it serves rather than by a small number of large donors or a private foundation. Most of its funding comes from sources such as individual donations, membership dues, fundraising events, program fees, and grants. This designation recognizes the organization as a publicly supported charity, and donations are generally tax-deductible as allowed by law

For a youth club like ours, that status matters in four practical ways.

Nobody profits

We have no owners or shareholders. Every dollar that comes in goes back out on shows, scholarships, equipment and running costs.

Donations may be tax-deductible

Because of our status, gifts from individuals and businesses can usually be claimed as charitable contributions.

We answer to our members

The club is governed by an elected board of officers and operates under published bylaws and standard procedures.

Records are kept properly

Financial receipts, deposits, reimbursements and sponsorship agreements all follow documented procedures, and records are audited annually.

We are not tax advisers. Whether a particular donation is deductible depends on your own circumstances, so please confirm the details with your accountant or tax professional before claiming. We are happy to provide a donation receipt for your records.

Who runs the club

Our officers

Our Club Officers are dedicated adult volunteers elected by the Board of Directors to help lead the organization. Whether you have questions about becoming a member, entering a show, scholarships, finances, or anything else, they’re here to help and are always happy to point you in the right direction.

Crystal Samano, President
President

Crystal Samano

Crystal serves as President of the Lonestar Junior Exhibition Poultry Club and is the heart and public face of the organization. She works to secure sponsors and fundraising opportunities that provide Texas youth with meaningful opportunities to learn, compete, and grow through exhibition poultry.

Reane Goley, Vice President
Vice President

Renae Goley

Renae serves as the Vice President and Education Coordinator for the club. Drawing on her experience in 4-H, FFA, and exhibition poultry, she develops educational programs that empower youth with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in and beyond the show ring.

Eric Baugh, Treasurer
Treasurer

Eric Baugh

Eric is an IT Professional with over 30 years of experience. As the club Treasurer, he is responsible for ensuring all of the club’s funds are tracked and managed in accordance with the bylaws, and ensuring the club has the money available when a member needs it.