March 5, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Katie Allen, Angus Foundation marketing and public relations assistant, at 816-383-5100 or kallen@angusfoundation.org; or

Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president, at 816-383-5100 or mjenkins@angusfoundation.org

The Legacy of Treasured Cows Continues in an Angus Foundation Fundraising Effort

The Treasure Chest project allows breeders to support the Angus Foundation through the donation of cull cow proceeds.

Many who are involved in the Angus breed are proud of the black cows that have helped advance Angus genetics and produce quality beef to feed the world. These cows also bring joy, fulfillment and promise in breeders’ lives. The Angus Foundation provides an opportunity to honor those cows while simultaneously supporting the future of the Angus breed.

In 2011, the Angus Foundation introduced the Treasure Chest project, a fundraising project that allows the legacy of treasured cows to live on through other Angus youth, education and research projects. Angus breeders can participate in the Treasure Chest project by donating the auction proceeds of a cull cow or cull cows to the Angus Foundation.

“Progressive Angus breeders want to make a difference and bring about positive outcomes with their hard-earned resources,” says Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president. “Treasure Chest is important, and its results can change lives. Participation by Angus breeders is easy. You, too, can change the life of an Angus youth through the scholarships resulting from Treasure Chest and advance the education of our members and research benefits for the advancement of our Angus breed and beef industry.”

With the Treasure Chest project, an ordinary trip to the auction market becomes an opportunity for the breed. Glen Swanson and his wife, Judy, of Durant, Iowa, have financially supported the Angus Foundation in many ways over the years, including donating cull cow proceeds through the Treasure Chest project.

“I thought it was a wonderful opportunity for my wife and I to contribute,” Swanson says. “The Angus Foundation is such a good program and really helps the youth of the Angus Association.”

Angus Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Cathy Watkins says she’s often asked how the average Angus breeder can contribute to the Angus Foundation. While there are many ways to contribute, Watkins says the Treasure Chest project provides a very easy way.

“We all treasure the contributions our Angus cows make to our breeding programs,” Watkins says. “To know that these females can also contribute to the Angus Foundation makes them even more special. I encourage each and every Angus breeder to take part in this project. Your contributions can ensure the continuation of the programs that helped make your Angus cows so important to you.”

Swanson says the process of donating the cull cow proceeds was very simple. He told the staff at the sale barn to make the check payable to the Angus Foundation and to send it directly to the Angus Foundation’s office.

“The money was taken out right from the start, and I didn’t miss it,” he says.

Currently, cull cow prices are at historical highs, much due to the low herd numbers nationwide and increased beef demand worldwide.

“Certainly, with all of us cattle producers enjoying historic high prices for our cull cows, our cash flow has increased, so what better way to give something back to the Angus breed and pay tribute to that Angus cow for the outstanding job she’s done in your Angus herd over the years, than to give the sale proceeds of that treasured cow to the Angus Foundation!” Jenkins says.

Donors participating in Treasure Chest can choose to direct funds to one of the organization’s priorities — education, youth or research — or make unrestricted contributions. They can make checks payable to the Angus Foundation, or instruct their local sale barns to directly contribute proceeds to the Angus Foundation. Donations may be mailed to the Angus Foundation at 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.

Contact Jenkins at 816-383-5100 or mjenkins@angusfoundation.org for further information.

Cached - SimilarThe Angus Foundation was established in 1980 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization to support Angus education, youth and research. To learn more about the Angus Foundation and the programs it supports, log on to www.angusfoundation.org or call 816-383-5100.

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