The AASV Foundation Auction Committee is setting its sights high in the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado, aiming for a record fundraising auction in 2012! Last spring, the foundation re-appointed Dr Warren Wilson as chair of the auction committee with the (tongue-in-cheek) stipulation that he continue as chairman until an auction brings in $100,000 – so the goal for 2012 is to raise $99,999!

Under the guidance of Dr Wilson and, before him, Dr Rod Johnson, the AASV Foundation auctions have seen tremendous success in recent years. The past four auctions have generated between $65,000 and $72,000 each, with a grand total of more than a quarter of a million dollars! The auction committee is eager to continue this success at the 2012 live and silent auctions on Monday, March 12, during the AASV Annual Meeting in Denver. This key fundraiser provides financial support for a number of foundation programs, including scholarships, externship grants, and travel stipends for veterinary students to attend the annual meeting.

Donate an item for the auction!

The auction success is due not only to lively and generous bidding at the meeting, but also to the donation of auction items by AASV members and industry sponsors. For the 2012 auction, the foundation is once again requesting item donations to fill the auction catalog, and encourages AASV members to lead the way.

Submit donations by December 15

YOU can be a part of the auction fun and take pride in supporting the foundation by donating an item for the 2012 auction! To do so, please visit the AASVF Web site at www.aasv.org/foundation and complete the donation form to provide details about your auction item. Submit the form to the AASVF by December 15, 2011. Your contribution will be recognized in the printed auction catalog as well as on the auction Web site and in AASV e-Letter announcements about the auction.

Successful auction items in the past have included handcrafted items, hunting and fishing trips, sporting equipment, electronics, artwork, clothing items, tickets to sporting events, and even lawnmowers and utility vehicles! Be creative and have fun! Remember, all donations to the AASV Foundation are tax deductible. Proceeds from the auction enable funding for AASV programs designed to “ensure the future…create a legacy” for swine veterinarians.

Your AASV Foundation:

• Administers endowments for the Howard Dunne and Alex Hogg Memorial Lectures,

• Administers the Hogg Scholarship for a swine veterinarian pursuing an MS or PhD,

• Administers funding for Veterinary Student Scholarships,

• Co-sponsors travel stipends for veterinary students attending the AASV Annual Meeting,

• Provides swine externship grants ($200 to $500 each) to veterinary students,

• Funds swine research with direct application to the profession,

• Administers funding for the National Pork Industry Foundation Veterinary Internship Stipends,

• Provides support for member recollection videos, and

• Funds AASV student interns.

AVMA PLIT team tops AASVF golf outing

After finishing second place in a tie-breaker finish in 2010, the AVMA PLIT foursome returned to take top honors at the 2011 AASV Foundation Midwest Golf Outing, held Wednesday, August 25, at the Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City, Iowa. Dominating the field with an impressive score of 58, the AVMA PLIT team – consisting of Andrew Vernon, Tom Frey, Michael Albian, and Craig Johnson – finished four strokes ahead of the 2nd place team, hosted by Merck Animal Health and manned by Dave Bomgaars, Dave Iverson, Roger Green, and Curtis Bomgaars. While there was plenty of competitive spirit in the air, everyone came away a winner as all 48 golfers in attendance enjoyed a picture-perfect day on the course to support the AASV Foundation.

Proceeds from the outing support the AASV Foundation and its programs that benefit veterinary students and swine veterinarians. These programs include Veterinary Student Scholarships, travel stipends to help students attend the AASV Annual Meeting, research grants, externship grants, AASV student intern support, National Pork Industry Foundation Internship Stipends, distinguished member videos, the Heritage Award, and the Howard Dunne and Alex Hogg Memorial lectures.

Drs Ron White and Dave Bomgaars organized the event with the assistance of PGA golf pro Jason Harrell and his staff at Landsmeer Golf Club. During the awards dinner following the outing, Dr White recognized the contributions of golf-hole sponsors National Pork Producers Council, DeWaay Capital Management, Chr Hansen, and Alltech, as well as the dinner sponsor, Pfizer Animal Health. In addition, prizes were awarded for the team and individual contest winners.

Championship flight

1st place team hosted by AVMA PLIT (score 58): Andrew Vernon, Tom Frey, Michael Albian, Craig Johnson

2nd place team hosted by Merck Animal Health (score 62): Dave Bomgaars, Curtis Bomgaars, Dave Iverson, Roger Green

3rd place team hosted by Pfizer Animal Health (score 62): Darrell Neuberger, Brian Roggow, Paul Ruen, Jim Dick

First flight

1st place team hosted by Elanco Animal Health (score 68): Tom Marsteller, Craig Boelling, Eric Christianson, Bob Parker

2nd place team hosted by Pfizer Animal Health (score 68): Tom Buelt, Matt Anderson, Jon Van Blarcom, Jason Kelly

3rd place team hosted by Merck Animal Health (score 69): Steve Hall, Nathan Schaefer, Mike O’Neal, Jack Creel

Second flight

1st place team hosted by Phibro Animal Health (score 69): Mark Rooney, Doug Weiss, Brian Schantz, Josh Ellingson

2nd place team hosted by Merck Animal Health (score 74): Warren Wilson, Chuck Groom, Baxter Gutknecht, Stan Kent

3rd place team hosted by Pfizer Animal Health (score 76): Tim Stuart, Jason Hocker, Michelle Sprague, Steve Schmitz

Individual contests

Shortest drive (hole #1): Brian Schwartz

Closest to the pin (hole #7): Darrell Neuberger

Longest putt (hole #9): Keith Wilson

Longest drive (hole #10): Mitch Christensen

Closest to the pin (hole #13): Stan Kent

Longest putt (hole #18): Dave Iverson

AASV Foundation requests research proposals

As part of its mission to fund research with direct application to the profession, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation seeks research proposals for funding in 2012. Proposals are due February 1, 2012, and may request a maximum of $6000 (US$) per project. The selection and announcement of projects for funding will take place in March.

Proposed research must fit into one of the five action areas stated in the AASV Foundation mission (see sidebar).

Proposals must also contain the following:

1. Identification of the issue.
2. Background information.
3. Description of the project.
4. Timeline.
5. Budget.
6. Plan to apply results for maximum return to swine veterinarians and/or veterinary students.

No project timeline is to exceed 12 months. A final report will be due within 60 days of stated project completion. For more information, or to submit a proposal, contact AASV Foundation, 830 26th Street, Perry, Iowa 50220-2328; Tel: 515-465-5255; Fax: 515-465-3832; E-mail:aasv@aasv.org.