Every Penny Counts
NJAA members and their families donate spare change to the Colon Cancer Foundation for the Angus Impact Project.
August 6, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Holly Martin, director of communications
816-383-5143
Through the Angus Impact Project, National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members raised $11,336.68 for the Colon Cancer Foundation during the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Louisville, Ky.
This year’s service initiative, Penny Wars, encouraged junior members and their families to collect spare change from their homes, barns and vehicles prior to arriving in Louisville.
For many involved, the fundraiser represented more than a competition. It was an opportunity to support families affected by colon cancer and promote awareness of the disease.
“The money we raised is going to the Colon Cancer Foundation, and that helps with research and their initiative to spread awareness about some of the statistics around colon cancer, how to get screened for it and signs to look for,” Anne Dameron said.
Anne, vice chairman of the 2025-2026 National Junior Angus Board, oversaw the planning of the annual service project and has a personal connection to the cause.
“It’s close to home for me because my mother passed away from the disease, so I’m very passionate about doing all that we can to raise awareness,” she said.
At the show, donations were added to collection jars, labeled with the names of Angus staff, regional managers and NJAA board members. The contestant who collected the most donations would receive a pie in the face at closing ceremonies.
Gary Dameron was deemed the lucky winner, receiving his prize from his granddaughter, Anne. Additional funds were raised through a live auction, which resulted in Caitlyn Brandt, Director of Events and Junior Activities, also receiving a pie in the face.
Reflecting on Penny Wars, Anne expressed her gratitude for the enthusiasm and support shown throughout the week.
“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 explained.
Angus Impact is the official community service program of the NJAA. The goal of the project is to help state junior associations be the change through acts of service.
Results of the 2026 NJAS, including shows, contests, awards and scholarships, can be found at www.njas.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA social media channels and in the September issue of the Angus Journal.
To download a photo, click here.
Cutline: Laughter filled the arena as Gary Dameron received a pie to the face after winning the National Junior Angus Association's Penny Wars fundraiser during the National Junior Angus Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Throughout the week, juniors raised more than $11,000 for the Colon Cancer Foundation.
To download this photo, click here.
Cutline: Throughout the week National Junior Angus Show attendees raised more than $11,000 for the Colon Cancer Foundation.
About the National Junior Angus Association
The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for the nearly 4,500 active members nationwide.
ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS
The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 21,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers. For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.
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