Harfst and Associates, Inc., Make Gift to Wyoming State Fair Endowment

The Wyoming State Fair (WSF) Endowment announced a gift of $25,000 from Harfst & Associates, Inc. to the Wyoming State Fair Endowment Campaign as a jump-start to the Wyoming State Fair Endowment Match Campaign. The State Fair’s $500,000 Campaign is a match challenge put forth by the Wyoming Legislature to raise $500,000 by June 1, 2024 for the Wyoming State Fair Endowment. Robby and Danette Harfst, of Harfst & Associates, Inc., live in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Harfst and Associates is a Registered Investment Advisor providing investment management, wealth management, and retirement planning services. They also work closely with their clients’ accountants and attorneys with regards to estate planning and tax efficiencies. The Harfst’s were introduced to the Wyoming State Fair Endowment by Rindy West, WSF Development Director, and Galen Chase of Chase Brothers Land and Ranch Brokerage.

They were inspired by the power of the matching gift opportunity and by the Endowment’s goal of sustaining a meaningful future for the State Fairgrounds. Robby shared that “Danette and I are honored to support the Wyoming State Fair Endowment and participate in the match-challenge. We encourage others to make a legacy gift in any amount in order to provide for the future of the State Fair. We saw this as a great opportunity to invest in Wyoming’s agricultural heritage, community, and future.” Danette mentioned that “Robby and I both spent much of our youth showing livestock at county and state fairs. Many generations of our families attended fairs and served as volunteer fair department directors and board members. In fact, Robby’s father, Dean Harfst, volunteered for many years as an advisor for the State and National Junior Hereford Association. We are proud to support the lifelong impact the State Fair has on those that participate and are blessed to be part of a community that takes pride in showcasing our common heritage through the Fair venue.”

The Harfst’s encourage others to join them in leaving a legacy by making a gift to the State Fair Endowment – – especially before the June 1st matching deadline. The State Fair is on a mission to support agriculture, education, Wyoming Youth and the Western lifestyle. The WSF is reaching out to valued communities, businesses, and supporters across the state to seek assistance in raising funds for the WSF Endowment.

Wyoming State Fair Display at Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum, Douglas

The Wyoming State Fair Endowment was established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2018, and the Endowment aims to provide a stable and consistent funding avenue for the future of the Wyoming State Fairgrounds & Event Complex. As the Endowment expands, so does the financial support available for the Fair and grounds, guaranteeing a sustainable future for the Wyoming State Fair. Endowment gifts differ from other types of contributions in that the full amount is tucked away and permanently invested, rather than being available to spend outright. Each year, 25% of the funds generated from the account are released to support the operations and needs of the Wyoming State Fair. In one sense, this and other Endowment contributions are truly gifts that keep on giving. The current WSF Endowment account is at $3.82 Million but must grow much more to endow the events and activities providing opportunities for youth, agriculture, education, and Western lifestyle promotion. Unfortunately, if the Campaign is unable to raise the full $500,000, it won’t be able to take advantage of the match. Currently, over $262,740 of the $500,000 goal has been raised.

To donate today visit www.wystatefair.com/endowment or text “WYFair” to 243725. For more information on how to get involved in the WSF Endowment and support the Wyoming State Fair, please visit www.wystatefair.com/endowment or contact Rindy West, WSF Development Director, at (307) 751-3430 or rindy.west@wyo.gov. For media inquiries or interviews please contact: Kota Provence | Wyoming State Fair, Marketing and Communications Liaiso