Several businesses and organizations have stepped forward to offer help to the 4-H council after learning that its sponsor had cut funding used to operate a livestock show and auction at the State Farm Fair.

More than $5,000 is needed to supply a tent, electricity, water, bleachers and other expenses for the show that will take place July 19 to 21.

The money offered after an Advertiser story ran last week should at least cover the expenses but nothing has been finalized, organizers said.

The responses have been very good, but now the details must be worked out with the three or four groups that want to help, said Alan Takemoto, executive director for the Hawai'i Farm Bureau Federation, which organizes the farm fair.

"We are still taking it all in, discussing the options we might have with these organizations ... to see how we can work with these companies or businesses in sponsoring the fair," Takemoto said. He said it would be premature to name the groups.

Two weeks ago, the Hawaii State Livestock 4-H Council learned that Meadow Gold would reduce its monetary contribution to $1,000, down from $10,000, more than half of which was used to operate the 4-H event and petting zoo.

Club members from 9 to 19 years old work for months to raise beef, hogs or lambs for the show that runs in conjunction with the State Farm Fair.

The council was asked to help find another sponsor or sponsors.

Dr. Jason Moniz, president of the council, said he was pleased at the responses but unsure how the offers will work out.

At least one company has offered the $5,000 needed to set up the show and auction and one other potential donor mentioned sums in the thousands, but any amount would have to go through the Farm Bureau which would then make the necessary arrangements for 4-H, said Moniz, a veterinarian.

Moniz said he is sending letters of thanks and asking those that responded to contact the Farm Bureau.

"The Farm Bureau is going through the potential sponsors and making their decisions as to which ones fit," he said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.