Funding the Future, Leaving a Legacy
Hereford Youth Foundation contacts 11500 N. Ambassador Dr., Ste. 410 Kansas City, MO 64153 816-842-3757 | 816-243-1314 fax HerefordYouthFoundation.org acowan@hereford.org
This last year, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) reached an all-time high in net assets of $4.2 million and $300,000 was paid forward to support future initiatives for Hereford youth. HYFA and the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) work together to provide opportunities for the breed’s future leaders and to pave the way for successful and rewarding careers for these young people. Scholarship, leadership and education continue to be the mission of the foundation, promoting a focus on programs that not only showcase the juniors’ talents but build leaders and prepare them for a bright future in the beef industry and beyond.
What is HYFA? OFFICERS: President: Ray Ramsey Greenfield, Ind., 317-462-7122 rayramsey77@gmail.com Vice president: George Sprague Eugene, Ore., 541-465-2188 gks@bar1ranch.com Secretary/treasurer: Amy Cowan acowan@hereford.org
DIRECTORS: Jill Bielema Ada, Mich., 616-292-7476 jbielema@comcast.net Katie Coyler Bruneau, Idaho, 208-599-2962 katie@hereford.com Steve Folkman Ixonia, Wis., 920-474-7403 cnlfarm@execp.com Nancy Keilty Cedar, Mich., 231-228-6578 nancykeilty@mindspring.com Bob Norton St. Joseph, Mo., 816-238-3326 bobnorton@biozymeinc.com Kathy Buchholz Waxahachie, Texas, 214-537-1306 kathy@gkbcattle.com Bill King Moriarty, N.M., 505-220-9909 bill@billkingranch.com
HYFA started with a focus on scholarships, launched with the first $750 Gary Bishop Scholarship in 2004. From there the Bob and Dolores Call Scholarship was added and the unveiling of the $5 million capital endowment campaign. Thanks to the late Bill and Jo Ellard, the EE Ranches Inc. $200,000 endowment led to $18,250 in scholarships being awarded in the fall of 2006. This endowment was the beginning of great things to come for the HYFA, and 13 years later, HYFA annually pays out $200,000 in spring and fall scholarships alone with hopes of continued growth and opportunities for the Hereford youth. This kind of growth is monumental and thanks to continued support by a vast network of donors, the foundation has been able to make greater strides in the leadership and education arenas. HYFA is excited about the tremendous support from industry partners, such as BioZyme Inc., Merck Animal Health and Sullivan Supply. BioZyme and Merck play a major role in the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout program and Sullivan Supply is the official industry partner and show supplier of the Junior National Hereford Expo.
Fundraising at a Glance
Do you want to be part of the 1% club? Those giving 1% back, that is. In 2018 the Foundation 1 Club was initiated by Sierra Ranches, Modesto, Calif., with 1% of the proceeds of their fall production sale being donated to HYFA. This program has continued to grow momentum with The Ladies of the Royal and Mile High Night Sales following suit. Some of the newest
Foundation 1 partners include Mason Mountain Mistletoe, the family of the late Edgar W. Roth Jr., and Ghostwood Blended Bourban. It is because of new and innovative programs like this that the fundraising continues to gain momentum and has never been stronger. We welcome new Foundation 1 supporters each year and invite you to come grow with HYFA and see how 1% over time can make such a significant difference. A partnership with Merck Animal Health was born out of the same Foundation 1 concept. The company has agreed to partner with HYFA and has pledged up to $15,000 to support educational programs like the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout and Junior National Hereford Expo. As a partner in education, Merck has committed $100 for every Merck picture submitted to any different Hereford social media platform. They say that a picture says a thousand words. These pictures are chanting scholarship, leadership and education, considering the funds will go to benefit these programs. So be sure to send in pictures of Merck products at work in your operation.
Leave a Lasting Legacy
Memorials through the foundation have become a popular way to honor a lost loved one’s memory. Families may choose to endow a scholarship in their family member’s name or simply support the general fund with memorial gifts. Either way, memorials are a special way to leave a lasting legacy in the foundation, and over time, these memorials are making a significant impact on HYFA’s educational and leadership programs. HYFA supports the programs and activities that not only benefit the Hereford breed, but also help establish the future of the Hereford breed for tomorrow’s youth. The most common methods of giving include cash donations, stocks, sponsorships and memorials, but we are always receptive to new and innovative ways to increase support. Since HYFA is a 501(c)(3) corporation, all contributions are tax deductible, and no gift is too big or too small when it comes to supporting the foundation and leaving a lasting legacy. For more information on how to contribute to Hereford youth or for more information about scholarships and educational programs, please visit HerefordYouthFoundation.org.
2021 Hereford Handbook / 11
