Milk Lovin' in Our Community

I cannot believe it is March!

Even with that extra day, where did February go? I am a little behind on my blogging. I know one of the most important rules of blogging is writing your "About me". But I published my first blog post about an hour after deciding to start a blog and having been playing catch up ever since. With winter storm Goliath, I didn't get a chance to get all my "ducks in a row" before launching. So with this post I want to tell you a little bit about what I am involved in.Over the last 5 years, I have had the opportunity to be a volunteer and now President of an organization called United Dairy Women. Over ten years ago, a group of dairy women realized there was a need in our community. We have two children's homes in our area, NM Christian Children's Home and Baptist Children's Home. After talking with the homes, these women found out that the homes could not afford to purchase dairy products for their children. This came as some what of a shock since this is an area where there is an abundance of milk. These women made it their "Milk Mission" to raise enough money so every child could have 3 servings a day of dairy. Eleven years later and we have raised over $1 Million. United Dairy Women is an all volunteer, non-profit organization.Earlier this year, we hosted our annual event and largest fund raiser, Milk Lover's Ball! It is a great chance for the community and dairy industry to come together and support those in need and celebrate all our blessings that year. This year Milk Lover's Ball was less than a month after winter storm Goliath. We were nervous going into it that our ticket sales and sponsorships might be affected. But as always we had more support than ever. It was one of the best years yet! I am so grateful for all the sponsors and guests that continue to support us.Last week, I had the chance to attend the Oregon Dairy Farmers Annual Conference (check out more about my trip to Oregon here). During the conference, I ended up in the lunch line with many members and past presidents of the Oregon Dairy Women. I was blown away with all they were doing. After wrapping up Milk Lover's Ball, I was feeling a little overwhelmed with the dairy, mom-life, work and my volunteer time. Talking with these women about their state wide organization and local chapters was just what I needed. I have said it before in Thank you to the dairy women!, but I will say it again. Dairy women are the best! Throughout the United States, there are dairy women seeing a need and fulfilling those needs. I think it is important for more of us to share our stories and tell about our organizations to encourage each other.I would love to hear from other dairy women groups from around the country. Please leave a comment and tell us what you are doing in your community and state!Udderly in love with dairy,New Mexico Milkmaid