Aug. 6, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Ellie Hoffschneider, public relations and communications intern, at 816-383-5100 or printern@angus.org

PHOTOS: NJAS photos are available at 816-383-5155 or prphotos@angus.org

Gifts of Angus History and Scholarship

An Illinois couple recognized for dedication to Angus youth as 2012 Honorary Angus Foundation inductees.

Blanford and Joan Pierce of Woodlawn Farms in Creston, Ill., have made it a priority to give back to the Angus breed and the youth of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA).  Because of this generous attitude, the NJAA chose to induct the Pierces into the Honorary Angus Foundation during the 2012 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Louisville, Ky.

On July 20, the NJAA honored the couple’s support, both of their time and money, to ensure the future generation of the Angus breed.  In 2005, the Pierces donated $25,000 to the Angus Foundation to establish the Woodlawn Farms Angus Scholarship Endowment Fund. This year marks the seventh year an Angus youth has been awarded the scholarship.

“I grew up in the Angus breed hearing about the history of Woodlawn Farms, and to receive the scholarship from them was truly an honor,” says Paige Wallace, the 2011 recipient of the $1,000 scholarship.

In addition to the scholarship, the Pierces have generously given of their time and history to the Angus Foundation. One of the most famous steers in Angus history, Advance, was raised by Woodlawn Farms. He was selected as Grand Champion Over All Breeds at the International in 1900. The couple donated the trophy and original oil painting to the Angus Foundation, and Advance has since become the inspiration for a fundraising challenge.

The Advance Challenge began with the sale of 10 exact replicas of the oil painting of the steer, and now continues with the sale of 50 numbered, limited-edition Advance giclée prints.  The funds raised from this challenge will support youth, education and research.

At the heart of the Pierces’ giving is a passion and love for the Angus family:  “I feel I relate in a personal way to all of these (Association) members, and I want to give back to something I’ve been a part of,” Blanford says. “We’re all a family of Angus breeders.”

The NJAA began the Honorary Angus Foundation in 1985 to recognize and thank those who have shown extraordinary interest and support for young members of the American Angus Association^®. Seven Angus breeders were honored as the first inductees, and each year the NJAA inducts breed supporters or entities.

Any member of the American Angus Association is eligible to nominate individuals or organizations for the Honorary Angus Foundation.  Visit www.angus.org to learn more or to nominate next year’s Honorary Angus Foundation inductees.

The 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, call 816-383-5100 or go to www.angusfoundation.org.

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