WVUK Foundation

06/11/2026

📅 SAVE THE DATE! 📅

The WVUK Foundation is excited to announce our 2026 Open House will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Wayside Farm in Shelby County, Illinois! Join us for a day of outdoor activities, education, fellowship, and fun for the entire family.

Enjoy:
🦆 IDNR WingShooting Clinic
🏹 IDNR Archery Clinic
🐕 Retriever Demonstration
🍽️ Lunch
🎤 Special guest speaker Clayton Yantis, Executive Director of The Fallen Outdoors
🎁 Door prizes, giveaways, and more!

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, conservation supporter, or simply looking for a great community event, we invite you to spend the day with us.

Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more details as the event approaches!

• IDNR WingShooting Clinic • Retriever Demo • IDNR Archery Clinic • Lunch • Words of Wisdom from Clayton Yantis, Executive Director of The Fallen Outdoors • Door Prizes & More!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the WVUK Foundation honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

As we spend time with family and friends, we pause to reflect with gratitude on those who served our country with courage and selflessness. 🇺🇸

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/08/2026

This week, the WVUK Foundation was honored to present a scholarship to a deserving Central A&M senior during the school’s scholarship ceremony. Supporting students who are passionate about agriculture and natural resources is one of the many ways we invest back into our rural communities and the future of our industry.

WVUK Foundation scholarships are awarded to Central A&M students who:
🌱 Reside in Christian, Shelby, or Macon County
🌱 Plan to major in agriculture or natural resource-related fields
🌱 Demonstrate a strong work ethic and positive attitude
🌱 Maintain at least a “C” average at graduation

Congratulations to this year’s recipient! We’re excited to see all you accomplish in the future.

03/25/2026

Happy National Ag Day from the WVUK Foundation!

Agriculture is what our foundation is built on because that's where our story begins! The WVUK Foundation is proud to support the future of the ag industry by investing in the next generation through our scholarship efforts with Central A&M High School!

Seeing young people pursue their passion in agriculture gives us confidence that the future of this industry is in great hands.

Here’s to growth, opportunity, and the continued impact of agriculture for years to come!

The Wendling-VanUytven-Kiesecoms Foundation of Wayside Farm in Assumption, IL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focusing only on three goals:

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to recognize and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. At WVUK Foundation, we are especially proud to support veterans and wounded warriors.

Your courage, sacrifice and dedication inspire us every day. We are committed to standing by our veterans and offering an opportunity for hunting and enjoying the outdoors.

To all who have served—thank you. ❤️🤍💙

09/22/2025

📅 A few dates remain open on our 2025–2026 hunting calendar — including Youth Firearm Weekend! 🦌🐇

Hunting at Wayside is complimentary and reserved for youth under 18, wounded warriors and veterans. 🇺🇸

Don’t miss your chance to join us for an unforgettable experience. Reserve your spot today https://waysidefarmfoundation.org/hunting/

Explore ethical hunting opportunities at Wayside Farm Foundation. Learn about our conservation-focused hunting programs that promote wildlife stewardship and sustainable land management.

08/25/2025

WVUK Foundation Hunting Schedule is Open!

Are you a veteran, wounded warrior, or youth under 18 with a passion for hunting & the outdoors?

Wayside is proud to offer complimentary hunting opportunities for deer, pheasant, quail and rabbit again this season!

📅 Our 2025-2026 hunting schedule is now live – spots will fill quickly, so don’t wait!

🔗 Book your hunt today: https://waysidefarmfoundation.org/hunting/

Let’s get you out in the field and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors!

Explore ethical hunting opportunities at Wayside Farm Foundation. Learn about our conservation-focused hunting programs that promote wildlife stewardship and sustainable land management.

08/19/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the WVUK Foundation Open House!

What an incredible turnout—even in the extreme heat, you showed up and made the day a huge success. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with our community, share outdoor experiences and help educate others about the tradition and responsibility of hunting. 🦆🌾🎯

A special thank you to our amazing sponsors who made this event possible:

⭐ Illinois Department of Natural Resources
⭐ Soldiers and Dogs
⭐ JCG Midwest
⭐ DIGS Associates
⭐ State Representative Wayne Rosenthal
⭐ The Fallen Outdoors
⭐ Jimmy Rade with Mossy Oak Properties, Illinois Land and Lifestyle
⭐ Pheasants Forever
⭐ Trophy Time
⭐ Scheels

We couldn’t do it without our sponsors but most importantly without our guests and hunters! Check out some photos from the event!

08/15/2025

Sponsor Spotlight 🌟

We’re proud to highlight our newest sponsor, The Fallen Outdoors — an incredible organization dedicated to connecting veterans to the outdoors!

Thank you for your support of the WVUK Foundation. We look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership together & we look forward to our guests meeting your team at our Open House on Saturday!

RSVP to the Open House today at https://waysidefarmfoundation.org/open-house/

08/13/2025

Sponsor Spotlight 🌾

Meet Jimmy Rade with Mossy Oak Properties, Illinois Land and Lifestyle. Jimmy is a Veteran, and avid outdoorsman!

WVUK Foundation is proud to have Jimmy as a trusted partner and sponsor again this year for the Open House! Join us on Saturday and meet Jimmy in person at the event!