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Willamette Valley Llama Foundation |
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Raising Funds for Camelid Medical Research since 1987 |
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WVLF Camelid Research Program
Regardless of the size of their herd or the location of their barn, every camelid benefits from the research funded by the WVLF |
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From its beginning in 1987, the Foundation’s mission has grown into a concerted effort to support the camelid medial research at Oregon State University and provide funds to maintain the herd of llamas and alpacas at their disposal. The WVLF is very proud to have played a role in the outstanding reputation OSU has obtained over the years for their camelid research and the valuable opportunity they provide for vet students to have hands-on education in that field. During the past 20 years, they have learned a lot about raising funds for medical research and have developed a Research Committee to evaluate the value of the proposals submitted annually, determine the priorities for financial support, monitor the research proposal's progress, and publish the results to the memberships of the organizations supporting the fundraising effort. The Committee is made up of representatives from the three major organizations in our region and has three local vets with extensive llama and alpaca experience serving: Dr. Pat Long, Dr. Paul Jones, and Dr. Scot Lubbers. Dr. Long is a member of the Alpaca Research Foundation and sits on the Board of the Morris Animal Foundation. Dr. Jones is the immediate past president of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, a delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association and was just named the OVMA Veterinarian of the Year! Dr. Lubbers serves as a member of the Lama Medical Research Group. This broad input has allowed for invaluable coordination amongst these groups and the WVLF is recognized for co-sponsoring projects through Morris Animal Foundation. All proceeds from the annual banquet go to medical research and maintenance of the research herd. In addition to these funds, this Committee has been responsible to administering the donations from other organizations and businesses over the years. However, with all costs going up, the financial requirement to support the proposals submitted last year exceeded the funds available. After realizing that the work done by the WVLF served to benefit both llamas and alpacas all of these years, the Willamette Alpaca Breeders Association stepped up to match last year’s proceeds and all of the 2007 proposals were funded!! A review of the Donation History of the WVLF will reveal the many aspects of health care that these studies have touched upon and why continued support is so important! |
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