Hoosier Dairy Farmers Seek Heroes
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2019 Indy 500 winner Simon Pagenaud as he celebrates with milk. (photo courtesy: IMS)
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Jill Houin (L) will deliver milk to the 2020 Indy 500 winner. Andrew Kuehnert (C) was the 2019 Milk Man who delivered to Simon Pagenaud. (photo courtesy: IMS)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe American Dairy Association Indiana is trying to make the most of a sour situation. Typically, the milk promotional and educational nonprofit would be gearing up in May for the Indy 500, just like many Hoosiers.
But when the race got postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the iconic drink of milk by the race winner, which is delivered by an Indiana dairy farmer, got put back in the cooler.
The association says in the spirit of the month, it has launched the Hoosier Heroes campaign.
“Our farmers really wanted to do something,” explained Jenni Browning, chief executive officer of the American Dairy Association Indiana. “There are a lot of stories they’re hearing in their communities about heroes.”
Browning said with things being so grim and negative due to the pandemic, including economic struggles in the agriculture sector, ADAI wanted to do something in a positive light.
The organization decided the campaign could highlight someone who does something “a little bit heroic,” including a neighbor who brought groceries to an elderly person or a cashier who is working long hours at the grocery store.
“How can we take that community spirit and spread it throughout the state,’’ wondered Browning.
She said the campaign is not limited to farmers or the farming community. It is for anybody who has experienced something that “touches the heart.”
The dairy association is sharing the nominations through social media. Browning said one Hoosier Heroes nominee will receive a VIP Experience with reigning IndyCar Series Champion, Josef Newgarden, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“The feeling of the race…. the community, the pride, a sense of who we are,” said Browning. “We were a little heartbroken. We weren’t ready to give up the month of May.”
As part of the Hoosier Hero campaign, the ADAI is also seeking donations for Indiana’s food banks. People can donate in somebody’s honor or just a straight donation. The money will be distributed to food banks to purchase milk products for families in need.
The deadline to nominate a hero or to make a donation is May 25. Click here to learn more about the campaign.
In August, dairy farmer Jill Houin from Plymouth, Indiana and Tim Haynes from Garrett, Indiana will serve milk to the race winner.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, American Dairy Association Indiana CEO Jenni Browning explains how the campaign was developed.