The Harvest II fundraising event benefitting the Hereford Youth Foundation of America generated $2 million for leadership events and scholarships at the Kunde Family Winery and Estate in Kenwood, Calif. The event brought together 185 Hereford enthusiasts and was hosted by Jim Mickelson, American Hereford Association Board of Directors member, and his wife, HYFA Board of Directors member Marcia Mickelson.
“The Hereford Youth Foundation of America has become an important partner in the future successes of our juniors,” said Jim Mickelson. “It was with great pleasure and pride that we welcomed Hereford enthusiasts from across the United States to invest in the future of the Hereford breed.”
The Harvest II auction grossed $350,000 on 39 lots. The high-selling lot was a trip to Las Vegas for the 2017 National Finals Rodeo, complete with round-trip airfare courtesy of Bob and Lisa Norton, BioZyme, Inc., on Norton’s private Cessna Citation CJ4 aircraft. It sold for $37,000. The silent auction and welcome fundraiser grossed $10,000.
Rick Malir and Bonnie Coley-Malir, Dublin, Ohio, donated a $500,000 leadership endowment to HYFA. The 10-year gift will fund a lifetime of leadership opportunities for NJHA members. Additionally, the Malir family announced they are including HYFA as their primary beneficiary and will make a planned giving estate gift of $1 million for a total contribution of $1.5 million.
Perks Ranch, Rockford, Ill., established a $100,000 scholarship endowment benefitting HYFA and National Junior Hereford Association members. The inaugural $5,000 scholarship will be awarded during the AHA Annual Meeting this fall in Kansas City, Mo.
BJ Jones and Sondra Brancel, co-chairmen of the 2016 Junior National Hereford Exposition, A Hereford Scene in 2016, donated $100,000 to HYFA and the Growing a Lasting Legacy Campaign. The gift represented the tremendous fundraising effort made by the state of Wisconsin and supporters from across the nation who came together to benefit Hereford youth.
“The generosity of the Hereford family has taken HYFA to new heights,” said Amy Cowan, AHA director of youth activities and foundation. “It was a historic evening for the foundation and the breed and we can’t thank the donors, attendees and buyers enough for supporting this great cause.”