Professional Dairy Producers Foundation (PDPF), also known as Dairy’s Foundation, raised $21,830 during a silent auction held at the recent Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW) Business Conference in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
The auction featured a range of unique items and experiences donated by individuals and organizations in the dairy community, including collectible art pieces, dairy farm supplies and tools, gift baskets featuring Wisconsin cheese and dairy products, John Deere collectibles, vouchers for locally farm-raised beef and more.
“We appreciate the generosity of everyone who donated items and made bids throughout the event,” Brian Forrest, PDPF board member and dairy producer from Stratford, Wis.
In addition to the silent auction, Dairy’s Foundation also kicked off their annual “Plant a Seed, Inspire A Dream” campaign. As of the close of the conference, $62,780 had been raised. The friendly competition encourages dairy enthusiasts to contribute funds to one of four teams of dairy leaders vying to raise the most money. Donations to the teams can continue to be made here.
Funds raised through the auction and Plant a Seed campaign directly support the creation of new and sustainable dairy leadership resources and educational programs. The only foundation supporting the dairy industry exclusively, Dairy’s Foundation supports programs and initiatives across the nation to create a positive impact through professional development and lifelong learning.
During the PDPW Business Conference, Dairy’s Foundation also paid honor to John Kappelman of Eagle River, Wis., for his six-and-a-half-years of service to the foundation as a board member and president.
“We appreciate the leadership and commitment that John tirelessly devoted during his time on the board,” said PDPF Board Vice Chairman Mark Diederichs. “His heart is truly invested in supporting the dairy industry through the work of the foundation.”
PDPF supports the dairy community by providing funding for programs such as Cornerstone Dairy Academy™, Stride Youth Leadership Conference, Financial Literacy for Dairy®, Agricultural Community Engagement® (ACE) on-farm twilight meetings, and more. The foundation also awards grants of up to $5,000 for initiatives across the country that fulfill one or more of the foundation’s focus areas. For more information on grant opportunities and other programs, visit the Dairy Foundation website.
The Professional Dairy Producers Foundation was established by Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin in 2002 as a way to raise funds and award grants for educational programs. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity. For information on programs funded and ways to donate, visit here.