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A Cash Cow

Posted on: Sunday, 6 November 2005, 15:00 CST

By Joanna Larez, Greeley Tribune, Colo.

Nov. 6--The annual calf auction fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Weld County has become a family tradition for the Gerdoms.

Dewey Gerdom of Windsor, his wife and kids have attended the auction the past five out of seven years.

He attends as a representative of his employer, Petroleum Development Corp., which has a branch in Evans.

"We work with ranchers and farmers on a daily basis," Gerdom said. "It's a way to help them and help the community."

The animals in Saturday's auction are actually sold twice. The cattle are donated for the auction, purchased by participants, who then donate the animals back to the Boys & Girls Clubs, which turns around and sells them for market price. All the proceeds go to the club.

This year, dairy farmers joined the effort, donating pregnant heifers for the auction.

The Gerdom family sat together near the display pen at the Greeley Producers building on U.S. 85 and O Street.

Rachelle Gerdom, 9, and her sister, Madison Gerdom, 7, said they like to attend the auction. They are entertained by the fast-talking auctioneer, but the animals are the main attraction.

"I like cows," Rachelle said.

Madison agreed and said she likes cows, "because they're sweet."

Gerdom said he likes the fact that the proceeds help children in Weld.

Trevor Foos, 10, is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Galeton.

"I like it because we get to play fun games and get our homework done so we don't have to do it when we go home," he said.

The clubs in Galeton and Milliken operate during the school year. The two Greeley clubs are open year-round.

"Last summer we served so many kids daily," said Ed Fickes, chief professional officer for the clubs. "It stretched our budget. We just keep growing and growing."

Summers attract the most children, but a cap on the number of summer members is an unwanted option that looms because of a lack of funds.

"Clubs in Denver cap summer members," Fickes said. "It's possible (in Weld), but we hope not."

The calf auction is one of the largest fundraisers for the Boys & Girls Clubs. A total of $103,535 was earned at the auction Saturday and about $15,000 is expected to add to the number when the cattle are sold at market value on Wednesday.

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Copyright (c) 2005, Greeley Tribune, Colo.

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Source: Greeley Tribune, Colorado

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