A single act of generosity may not fix every challenge a young mother faces, but it can absolutely change the direction of her life. At Riverbend Ranch, supporting that kind of change is something we’re honored to do year after year.
For more than two decades, Riverbend Ranch and Melaleuca: The Wellness Company has partnered with The Shepherd’s Inn, a nonprofit pregnancy resource center serving young and often-unsupported mothers. Their annual Win the Whole Cow fundraiser has become a beloved community tradition, one that provides both critical financial support and hope to the families who rely on the center.
“We are so grateful for Riverbend Ranch’s generous donation of the Grand Prize beef,” said Shepherd’s Inn Executive Director Julie Zhan. “Riverbend’s continued support of the Shepherd’s Inn and of the young families we serve means more than you know. This fundraiser has once again blessed our community, bringing hope and stability to those who need it most.”
A Generous Year of Giving in 2025
This year, Riverbend Ranch proudly donated an entire premium Black Angus cow, worth over $6,000 in high-quality beef, as the grand prize for the fundraiser’s raffle. To make the prize even more practical for the winner’s family, the Shepherd’s Inn included a freezer for the winner.
The grand-prize winner, Juaniata Underwood, was stunned and overjoyed when her ticket was drawn. Through the fundraiser, the Shepherd’s Inn raised more than $21,000, pushing the nonprofit even closer to its long-term growth goals.
The prize beef was processed at the Riverbend Meats facility in Idaho Falls, where the winners met with Riverbend Meats VP of Corporate Strategy Hyrum Egbert, and The Shepherd’s Inn founder Julie Zahn for a celebration and tour. The prize included all sorts of prized cuts, including filet mignon, ribeye steaks, New York strip, tri-tip, and sirloin.
A Mission That Grows Stronger Each Year
The Shepherd’s Inn remains committed to its mission to “make a difference, two lives at a time.” In 2025, thanks to community donations and ongoing support from Riverbend Ranch and Melaleuca, the center achieved significant milestones:
- Their Pregnancy Support Counselors have provided over 175 one-on-one sessions with clients
- They have provided their comprehensive educational and supportive program free of charge to 25 clients, including 4 fathers and 8 mothers
- 13 parents have graduated from their pregnancy and parenting support program
- 50 crockpots meals were provided to families
- 12 new car seats given to new mothers, including 2 specialty seats to accommodate parents with limited ability to move the car seat in and out of the car
Every client also continues to receive access to scholarships, maternity clothing, infant supplies, and vital emotional support, all free of charge.
An Innovative Fundraiser That Inspired a Longstanding Partnership
Years ago, the creativity behind Win the Whole Cow raffle caught the attention of Riverbend Ranch founder Frank VanderSloot and the management team. The idea was simple, bold, and uniquely Idaho: raffle off an entire premium cow to raise money for young mothers. But what truly inspired Frank was the heart behind it: a small, determined nonprofit finding a creative way to lift families who were trying to choose a better path.
Frank admired the innovation, loved the mission, and believed he could help amplify its impact. Soon after, Riverbend Ranch and Melaleuca became committed partners, donating a premium Black Angus cow every year and rallying additional support from the community.
What began as a clever idea has grown into one of the region’s most successful grassroots fundraisers. It shows that when generosity meets innovation, miracles happen.
A Partnership That Matters
Riverbend Ranch considers this fundraiser one of the most meaningful traditions of the year. The entire community rallies behind it, and the event generates enough to cover several months of programs and individual counseling sessions for young mothers in need.
Additionally, thanks to ongoing direction and support from Frank and Belinda, Melaleuca has contributed thousands of dollars in wellness products, diapers, hygiene supplies, and funding to ensure these young families receive the resources they need. This mission is more than a donation, it’s a shared commitment to valuing life, strengthening families, and uplifting the next generation.
