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In recent years those donating to fundraising for research had changed from llama owners in the Willamette Valley to include alpaca and llama owners in Central Oregon and Washington State. Some from Washington expressed a desire to support research and researchers at Washington State in addition to Oregon State. There was a perception the name implied funding was directed only at llama studies.

The WVLF board had taken several actions in recent years to change this perception. Four camelid enthusiasts from Washington had been appointed to the Research Committee. Two Washington residents, one veterinarian and one owner, had been added to the board of directors. Two directors own alpacas and are active in alpaca organizations. We have reached out to include alpaca owners in the annual fundraiser. Auctioning of services to alpaca studs has contributed to the monies raised each of the past two years. Alpaca

owners and associations had stepped forward to contribute and participate in raising money to support camelid research and education. Willamette Alpaca Breeders Association and the Columbia Alpaca Breeders Association each joined as sponsors of the 2009 Banquet & Stud Auction in March. In 2007 Willamette Alpaca Breeders Association contributed over $9,700 to support research projects at Oregon State which our Research committee had approved for funding.

This summer other changes were initiated, beginning with the name change, to be more inclusive of all camelids. Contact was made with Washington State. The first grant funding request was received in August from a WSU researcher.

As of 2009 over $460,000 distributed to fund studies helping keep all camelids healthier.