PINK HEIFER FARMERS AND FAMILIES INITIATIVE

Strengthening the People Who Feed Our Communities

The Pink Heifer Farmers and Families Initiative is a purpose driven philanthropic platform established by Pink Heifer BBQ Group, Inc. to support Midwest farmers, agricultural families, and rural communities that form the backbone of our food system.

Rooted in Midwestern values of hard work, resilience, and community, and inspired by a multigenerational commitment to service, the Initiative is designed to deliver meaningful, practical support to those who work the land, raise livestock, and sustain the agricultural economy across generations.

A scalable, embedded giving model designed to turn everyday customer engagement into lasting support for Midwest farmers and agricultural families.

Our Purpose

Farming is more than an occupation. It is a way of life defined by long hours, financial volatility, and deep family responsibility.

When farmers or agricultural families face hardship, whether from economic pressure, unexpected events, or generational transition, the impact extends far beyond the individual operation. It affects families, local economies, and the long-term stability of the food system itself.

The Pink Heifer Farmers and Families Initiative exists to:
❖ Provide direct support to Midwest farmers during periods of hardship or transition
❖ Assist agricultural families facing short term or ongoing challenges
❖ Strengthen the long-term sustainability of farming operations and rural communities
❖ Support animal health and veterinary related needs that are critical to agricultural continuity

How the Initiative Is Funded

The Initiative is built on a scalable, embedded giving model designed to generate consistent and growing impact over time.

A core funding mechanism is tied directly to one of Pink Heifer’s highest volume menu items.

For every order of Pink Heifer’s signature brisket and cheddar egg rolls, known as Wagon Rolls, $1.00 is automatically allocated to the Initiative.

Additional funding is generated through guest round up contributions at the register, dedicated charitable promotions and campaigns, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and community driven fundraising events.

All funds are deposited into a dedicated account with one of our banking partners to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper stewardship.

A Scalable Model for Impact

The Pink Heifer Farmers and Families Initiative is designed as a high efficiency, volume driven giving model that scales directly with customer engagement and brand growth.

By aligning a fixed contribution with a high frequency menu item and reinforcing it through guest participation and partnerships, the Initiative creates a consistent and expanding source of funding. This structure has the potential to generate $15,000 to $25,000 or more per location annually, with meaningful upside as additional BBQ Saloon locations are developed across the Midwest.

As the brand grows, so does the impact.

Strategic Vision

The Pink Heifer Farmers and Families Initiative is not designed as a one-time campaign or limited program. It is a long-term platform for sustained impact.

As Pink Heifer expands its BBQ Saloon model across the Midwest, the Initiative is positioned to scale alongside it, transforming everyday dining into a consistent source of support for the agricultural community.

Every location opened. Every Wagon Roll sold. Every guest interaction. All contribute to a larger mission.

Governance and Advisory Council

The Initiative is guided by an Advisory Council composed of experienced leaders across agriculture, animal health, philanthropy, and community leadership.

The Council plays a central role in identifying and prioritizing funding recipients, ensuring funds are distributed where they create the greatest real-world impact, and maintaining integrity, transparency, and mission alignment.

Advisory Council Members

Pam Jahnke

A highly respected agricultural broadcaster and longtime host of the Midwest Farm Report, Pam Jahnke is one of the most trusted voices in Upper Midwest agriculture. Raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm, she brings authentic, firsthand knowledge of farming life and deep relationships across the agricultural community. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening rural communities, supporting farmers, and elevating the importance of agriculture in everyday life.

Heidi Kramer

Senior Director of Development for the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Heidi Kramer brings extensive experience in strategic philanthropy, donor engagement, and institutional advancement. Through her leadership roles within the University of Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association and the Women’s Philanthropy Council, she has helped drive meaningful impact across veterinary medicine, animal health, and agricultural systems.

Leadership and Legacy

The Pink Heifer Farmers and Families Initiative is rooted in a deeply personal and multigenerational commitment to service.

Levi Fox’s maternal grandfather, Sir Melvin Pinkham, was a longtime leader within the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization founded in 1864 and built on principles of friendship, charity, and benevolence, with a long history of supporting communities through charitable programs, youth initiatives, and service driven leadership.

He dedicated several decades to advancing the mission of the Pythian Youth Foundation of California. Through his stewardship, one of the nation’s most unique charitable models, a federally authorized youth camp in Sequoia National Forest, established in 1946 under the authority of President Harry S Truman’s administration, provided life changing experiences to thousands of underprivileged children who otherwise would not have had access to those opportunities. His work helped create a lasting environment of mentorship, structure, and hope for generations of youth.

Following Melvin’s passing in 2015, that commitment to giving continued within the family.

Levi Fox carried forward that legacy by working alongside organizations including Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach and Chai Lifeline in Chicago, supporting critically ill children and their families through both financial contributions and hands on involvement. These efforts focused on delivering meaningful, real-world support during some of the most challenging moments families face.

The creation of the Pink Heifer Farmers and Families Initiative represents the next evolution of that legacy.

Under Levi’s leadership, the Initiative transforms everyday business activity into a scalable platform for impact, one designed to support Midwest farmers and agricultural families with the same sense of purpose, consistency, and long-term commitment that has defined his family’s philanthropic efforts for decades.

About Pink Heifer BBQ Group, Inc.

Pink Heifer BBQ Group, Inc. is a Wisconsin based hospitality company focused on building a next generation BBQ brand rooted in authenticity, community, and scalable impact. With its Mothership location in Monticello and its Flagship Quick Service “BBQ Saloon” location at 567 State Street in Madison, the Pink Heifer is a rapidly expanding company focused on growing a regional footprint of several dozen locations across the Midwest over the next five years.

At its core, Pink Heifer is built on a simple principle: great food should bring people together and create something bigger than the meal itself.

Legal Note

At this stage of our expansion, the Initiative operates as a dedicated philanthropic platform within Pink Heifer BBQ Group, Inc. and is not currently a 501(c)(3) organization. We utilize a pass-through giving model where 100% of all funds are stewarded by our Advisory Council and directed to approved charitable organizations to ensure mission alignment and impact.

MMSD Highlights Homelessness Awareness Month with Community Support Efforts

MADISON, Wis.—Throughout November, the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) Transition Education Program (TEP) is recognizing Homelessness Awareness Month by inviting the community to support students and families experiencing housing instability.

For the 2024–25 school year, as many as 1,304 MMSD students and 141 non-school-aged children met the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act’s definition of “homeless”: those lacking a “fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.” That total represents approximately 5% of the district’s total enrollment, underscoring the scope of the challenge within the Madison community.

“Each of our students deserves stability, belonging and a sense of safety,” said Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard. “Homelessness affects every aspect of a child’s well-being and education, and it’s our shared responsibility as a community to ensure every student has what they need to learn and thrive.”

As it does every year throughout November and December, MMSD is accepting donations of clothing and personal care items to help meet the needs of students and families. Requested items include hair and skin care products, laundry soap, body wash, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, toothpaste and toothbrushes, socks (any size), hair accessories, coats, boots, waterproof gloves and snow pants. Donations may be made at the Doyle Administration Building (545 W. Dayton St.) or at individual schools across Madison.

Later this month, MMSD also plans to create a visual representation of the students and families who have experienced homelessness in the past year. The display will be located outside the Doyle building, and will serve as a reminder that housing instability affects children and families throughout our community.

“Homelessness can look different for every family, but what remains constant is the need for care and connection,” said Jani Koester, TEP resource teacher. “The display will represent real students, each with their own story, resilience and hope. Our goal is to make sure every one of them feels seen, supported and valued.”

TEP supports students and families experiencing homelessness throughout the school year. Community members interested in contributing to its ongoing donation center or learning more are encouraged to contact tep@madison.k12.wi.us.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Old National Gears Up for 4th Annual “Better Together Days”

ONB team members will serve organizations throughout nine states

Madison, Wisconsin — Old National Bank is proud to announce the return of its community-focused Better Together Days, taking place September 17-18, 2025. Now in its fourth year, this event brings together team members across Old National’s nine-state footprint to give back to the communities where they live and work. This annual event reflects Old National’s deep commitment to service and community impact. And for team members who cannot participate in person there are virtual volunteer opportunities to ensure everyone can contribute.

In 2024, 66% of Old National’s Wisconsin employees volunteered during Better Together Days and Old National Bank employees logged 67,703 volunteer hours across the bank’s nine-state footprint.

“Over the last four years, Old National Bank Better Together Days volunteers in Madison have focused on supporting local community centers, underserved populations and food insecurity. Our employee-led community teams collaborate with non-profits where they learn about local issues and while making a positive impact in their own back yard,” said Traci Mann, Madison Market President.

Old National team members will volunteer at:

• Badger Prairie Needs Network, working in the food pantry (Sept 17)
• East Madison Community Center, cleaning windows, doing garden clean-up and working in the food
  pantry (Sept 17 & 18)
• Forward Gardens, helping harvest food (Sept 18)

ABOUT OLD NATIONAL
Old National Bancorp is the holding company of Old National Bank. As the sixth largest commercial bank
headquartered in the Midwest, Old National proudly serves clients primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. With approximately $71 billion of assets and $38 billion of assets under management, Old National ranks among the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the United States.

Tracing our roots to 1834, Old National focuses on building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients while also strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In addition to providing extensive services in consumer and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management and capital markets services.

For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com. In 2025, Points
of Light named Old National one of “The Civic 50” – an honor reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.

Dupaco Credit Union Employees Reap the Benefits of Giving Back

Dubuque, IA – This week is National Volunteer Week and Dupaco Credit Union is celebrating the impact the financial cooperative has had on the communities they serve. Logging 6,187 volunteer hours in 2024, Dupaco employees are choosing to make life better for others, by helping build homes, teach in classrooms, plant trees, clean up parks, donate blood, develop their communities, prepare healthy meals and much more.  

“It feels good to get out in our community and use my skills to help other people and organizations who may not have the resources. In my own small way, I’m serving a need for our community, I’m happy I get the opportunity to provide the help I can,” says Spencer Smith, Branch Manager at Dupaco. Smith chooses to help with the local economic development corporation in Peosta, Iowa. 

Dupaco employees don’t just walk the walk when it comes to volunteering. Their culture embodies it. Their policies promote it. And their actions add up to some impressive numbers.  

In 2024 alone: 

• Dupaco’s 602 employees volunteered a total of 6,187 hours. 
• Dupaco employees served on 170 nonprofit boards and committees 
• 256 Dupaco employees used a paid benefit in 2024 called Volunteer Time Off (or VTO), allowing them to take time off during the workday to lend a helping hand and volunteer in their community at an organization of their choice. 

That ‘feel good feeling’ mentioned by Smith is real, according to data from Mayoclinic.com. According to their studies, people who volunteer experience these benefits: 

• Improved physical and mental health — Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time. Research also shows volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety. 
• Less stress and more positive/relaxed feelings – The release of the hormone dopamine contributes to feelings of lower stress. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect. 
• Nurture new and existing relationships — Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests. 

Michelle Becwar, Community and Social Impact Manager, has spent the last 11 years of her career at Dupaco focusing on how the financial cooperative can create and foster community partnerships that benefit people inside and outside the organization. “Whether it’s through volunteer time off or by supporting nonprofits that help improve our communities, we’re working together to create a lasting impact and helping build strong communities,” she notes. 

Spencer adds that being part of an organization like Dupaco cultivates a powerful sense of satisfaction for his co-workers. “When we work together, whether it’s in the office or in the community, we’re helping fulfill our mission for a brighter community for all. It benefits us too. We know it makes us feel better, more connected with our peers and communities, and we have a greater sense of wellbeing. These are definitely reasons why I love working at Dupaco.” 

ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION  

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 173,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

Dupaco Foundation to award $250,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Area nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to receive grant funding from the Dupaco Foundation. Applications are now being accepted for the Dupaco Foundation Nonprofit Grant program. This annual competitive grant program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations whose mission or programs align with one of the foundation’s three focus areas:

• Affordable housing and homeownership
• Upskilling and reskilling
• Small business development

“The Dupaco Foundation is dedicated to empowering our communities by supporting organizations that drive meaningful change in these areas,” said Joe Hearn, Dupaco Foundation Secretary and President/CEO of Dupaco Community Credit Union. “Through this grant program, we aim to amplify the efforts of these nonprofits, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for growth and development.”

The Foundation will award $250,000 in grant funding. Individual grant amounts are available up to $20,000, depending on scope and scale of the project. Proposals should demonstrate clear, impactful goals with measurable outcomes.

This is the second year of the annual program. In 2024, twenty-nine nonprofit organizations were awarded a total of $250,000 in grants.

Online applications are being accepted now through May 30, 2025. Grants will be awarded in July 2025. For more information and to apply, visit www.dupaco.com/ways-we-give.

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ABOUT DUPACO FOUNDATION:
Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation, also known as Dupaco Foundation (the “Foundation”), is a tax-exempt private foundation described in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation is a separate legal entity from Dupaco Community Credit Union (the “Credit Union”) and is governed by its own Board of Directors and officers. The Foundation was established in 2011 to honor the retirement of 47-year employee and long-time Dupaco Community Credit Union President and CEO, Robert W. “Bob” Hoefer. The Foundation is designed to carry on the Bob Hoefer tradition of providing personal financial assistance and coaching to help hardworking and financially prudent people recover from unforeseen life events and to increase their opportunities for financial stability. Learn more at www.dupaco.com/foundation.