BILLINGS, MONT. – Since 1967, The Northern International Livestock Exposition has been an integral part of showcasing the culture and traditions of the wild and wonderful West through our mission of promoting livestock, agriculture, and respect for the western culture. The NILE Foundation takes great pride in raising funds to support NILE youth programs and furthering the mission of the organization.
Meeting for the final time in 2015, the NILE Foundation board comes away some exciting news for NILE enthusiasts. The Foundation has selected new board members, plans to give away record amounts of scholarships in 2016 and releases 2016 Stetsons & Stilettos date.
First, the addition of 4 new board members the Foundation is thrilled to introduce.
Scott Johnson -Scott joins the NILE Foundation Board as a long time NILE member. A part of the First Interstate Bank team, Scott & his wife Vicki are from Billings, Montana.
Kristen Larson is new to the NILE Foundation but not new to Montana Agriculture. Kristen works for and is a part owner in Prewitt & Company/Sidney Livestock. Kristen & her husband Tim raise their family in Sidney, Montana.
Barb Skelton is a 4th generation Montanan who has spent a lifetime involved in the cattle ranching and equestrian industries. Barb and her husband, Paul Gatzemeier reside in Billings, Montana.
Andrea Spickard joins the NILE Foundation and has been a longtime supporter of NILE with many years of dedication to the NILE Scholarship committee. Andrea & her husband Scott, along with their family reside at Joliet, Montana.
Congratulations & thank you to each of these stellar individuals for their appointment to the NILE Foundation Board. The NILE Foundation board is currently made up of eight individuals led by President Butch Bratsky, Vice President Roger Jacobs, Treasurer Roger Huebner and Ex Officio Member John Carrel representing as the current NILE President. The Foundation was formed with the goal of raising funds to promote the scholarship programs and services of NILE.
The Foundation board voted to raise the amount of scholarships awarded in 2016 to $25,000 in cash scholarships. This is an all-time high for the NILE. Those scholarships are awarded annually in the spring with many recipients honored at the NILE Foundation Stetsons & Stilettos event. To date, NILE has given over $600,000 in Cash and Live Animal Scholarships since the inception of the Scholarship program.
The dates for the 2016 Stetsons & Stilettos Ball will be June 3rd! The Stetsons & Stilettos Ball is an annual event hosted by the NILE Foundation. The purpose is to raise support for the many programs and events that foster the mission of the organization.This is an exceptional evening on dining, dancing and great auction items all with the goal of raising money for kids! Stetsons and Stilettos hosted a sold out crowd in 2015 raising money allowing for a record number of scholarships to be given in 2016.
We know at this time of year you receive many requests for funding from a variety of worthy organizations, but we hope you will consider ours among those most worthy of your support.
Donations given to the foundation can provide a college scholarship to a deserving student who wishes to pursue a career in agriculture, enhance and sustain our 4th grade Ag Education program, or afford their participation in one of our competitive youth events that teaches the ropes of the livestock industry.
Interested in enriching our endowment fund, helping to ensure that the spirit of our western culture endures for decades to come? Please contact the NILE office directly to discuss ways you can promote, embrace and support the future of agriculture through the Northern International Livestock Exposition Foundation.
Source: NILE Foundation
