According to Koontz, too many people avoid conversations about colon cancer because the topic may feel uncomfortable. However, she says those conversations can play a critical role in helping people recognize symptoms and understand their risk factors.

“You’ve got to get checked,” Koontz says, stressing the importance of early detection.

Anne explains the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) and Angus community have been great supporters of her and her family throughout their own hardship with colon cancer.

“Our Angus family really gathered around us and showed up for us,” Anne says.

Koontz knows firsthand how that kind of support can make a profound difference for families facing difficult circumstances.

“It takes a team, so rally around anybody, because you never know,” Koontz says. “The smallest thing can really make a big impact.”

That sense of community was on display at this year’s NJAS.

Before making the trip to Louisville, junior members were encouraged to collect spare change from their barns, vehicles and homes to donate. Contestants, including Angus staff members, regional managers and NJAB members competed to collect the most donations.

The Penny War competition became a visible part of the week-long event. Jars bearing contestants’ names were displayed, and junior members eagerly contributed spare change. 

The prize for collecting the most donations in their jar? A pie in the face during closing ceremonies.

After counting the total donations collected, Gary Dameron was deemed the lucky winner, receiving his prize from his granddaughter, Anne.

But the Angus family wasn’t satisfied with just one pie. A live auction during closing ceremonies raised additional dollars, and Caitlyn Brandt earned a pie of her own.

Although a pie in the face wasn’t the mission of the service project, it was a fun finale to a week of service.

Throughout the week, a total of $11,336.68 was raised.

“It will touch lives of people that we don’t even know, but I’m just glad that we’ll be able to make that positive impact on someone,” Anne explains.

“When I reflect on it, I’m just very grateful and very, very happy for our junior association and how they continue to show up for others.”

She says it’s easy to get distracted in life, but reminds juniors that it’s important to remember what is truly important.

“We can get so caught up in all of the things in the show world and the competitiveness and all the contests we have, and I think it’s good for us to recenter and remember that we can all be a part of something bigger than ourselves,” Anne says.

The Angus Impact Project serves as an opportunity for junior members to do exactly that. 

Each year, the project encourages participants to look beyond themselves and find ways to positively affect others.

As the week came to a close, the success of Penny Wars was measured by more than the final dollar amount. The fundraiser honored loved ones lost to colon cancer, supported ongoing research and educated juniors about the importance of awareness and prevention. For Angus families, it also served as a reminder that no one faces this battle alone.

Anne adds, “It’s uplifting to see that this group of young people came together to support those that are going through this struggle, and also are becoming knowledgeable themselves about the disease and spreading awareness.”