Heifer Foundation Announces 2002 Dan West Fellow Award
Bill Applegate
Bill Applegate (pictured), is the first recipient of Heifer Foundation's Dan West Fellow Award. William "Bill" Applegate of Story, Iowa, was honored at a ceremony hosted by Ursula Bartel held January 8, 2002 in LaVerne, California.
Throughout his life and as Heifer International’s founder, Dan West maintained a deep commitment to helping the poor, hungry and those in the margin of the world. His vision guides this organization and speaks to the simplest and most basic principle of charity – helping people to help themselves.
In his honor, Heifer Foundation established the Dan West Fellow Award to honor those who have given of themselves to help the less fortunate of the world. Each year, The Foundation’s Trustee Emeriti choose one outstanding leader to be recognized as a Dan West Fellow. Bill and his wife Dorothy Applegate became involved with Heifer International in 1970.
Bill's first trip overseas with Heifer was in 1974 to Peru to deliver cattle to Indian tribal villages in the Amazon River banks. In 1983, Bill was asked to move to Arkansas to be project manager for the Heifer Ranch that was to be built. He organized the work that was done primarily by volunteers.
In 1986 the President's Commissionon Volunteerism picked Heifer International as the International Winner of the year. Bill was asked to represent all the Heifer volunteers in the world and to accompany Lucille West (founder Dan West's widow) to a White House luncheon with President Reagan to receive a medallion for that honor.
In 1994, on the occasion of the golden anniversary of Heifer International, he represented the Foundation and Heifer International's Board on a trip to Thailand and China. Bill and Dorothy continue their tireless work in support of Heifer International. They feel their lives have been richly blessed by their love for each other and for others in need.
Heifer Foundation was honored to have Bill Applegate serve on its Board of Trustees from 1992-1998.
As the winner of this special achievement Bill will be featured in World Ark, which will display his leadership among Heifer Foundation Emeriti and other volunteers throughout our organization. In addition to this honor, a gift of $1,000 will be given to the Dan West Educational Endowment in honor of the recipient.
Bill Applegate joins with others who have given exceptionally distinguished service or leadership on behalf of the Foundation and Heifer Project International.
