JUNEAU — The Professional Dairy Producers Foundation (PDPF) raised $17,030 during a silent auction held at the recent Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) Business Conference in Wisconsin Dells. Nearly 100 items sold at the March 17-18 event at the Kalahari Resort. Auction items ranged from collectible art pieces to tools and dairy farm supplies, Badger tickets and vouchers for travel get-a-ways. The proceeds from the auction will be used to fund dairy education programs supported by the foundation.

“Our supporters showed up in a big way this year,” said Janet Keller, Executive Director of PDPF, also known as Dairy’s Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our annual and first-time supporters as well as the walk-in contributors who gave to the cause.” In addition to proceeds raised by the silent auction, Dairy’s Foundation is also in the midst of their annual “Plant A Seed” campaign. In the spirit of friendly competition, four teams of board members and supporters are currently vying for honors of raising the most money.

Teams Inspire, Impact, Vision and Dream are captained by Steve Vale, Russ Warmka, Sam Schwoeppe and Brian Forrest, respectively. To date, the teams have raised over $74,144 and are still collecting contributions. Those interested in supporting the cause may do so until April 30.

“A lot of people — in addition to over 20 volunteers on the 4 teams — have been working very hard on this wonderful service to the foundation,” Keller said.

Dairy’s Foundation relies on cash donations to support three primary objectives: raising up the next generation of professional dairy producers, growing and maintaining public trust in dairy products and the people involved, and building the skills of dairy producers. A sister organization to PDPW, the foundation was established in 2002 as a way to raise funds and award grants for educational programs. Since its inception, the foundation has been able to support initiatives and programs across the nation.

For details on how to donate and the list of Plant A Seed team members, visit https://dairyfoundation.org/.