Hollandia Dairy and Don Diego Scholarship Foundation share much in common. Deep agricultural roots. A close connection with the annual San Diego County Fair. And, significantly, an abiding passion for supporting ambitious future leaders of our community on their journey to success.
Don Diego Board member Alyson Connolly states, “We are delighted to partner with Hollandia on our Junior Livestock Auction (JLA) program, which I chair. By donating the net proceeds of their fresh, delicious milk sold during the Fair, Hollandia supports local FFA and 4-H students who raise and showcase market steers, lambs, goats, pigs, and other animals at the Fair’s auction.”
The partnership began a few years ago when Hollandia, a longtime purveyor of milk at the Fair, sought a conduit to benefit JLA. The relationship has reaped extraordinary results.
In 2026, Hollandia donated $11,000 from Fair milk sales to Don Diego’s JLA fund, accounting for more than half of the total $18,000 from all generous Fair concession donors; many of whom attend the lively auction. Don Diego uses these funds to purchase livestock from JLA participants, then donates the animals to its Resale Board where they are re-auctioned, with proceeds benefitting the ensuing year’s Don Diego JLA scholarships. Current students receive a fair price for their lovingly nurtured livestock. Future students earn scholarships to pursue their college and career goals.
Hollandia Sr. Board Advisor Tommy Berry notes, “We are intentional about doing goodwill in the community we serve, and we want to educate people about where their milk comes from. Our 6,800 contented cows reside in San Jacinto, with the milk processed in San Marcos and distributed countywide. We love the Fair, we enjoy donating to JLA, and we appreciate what Don Diego does.”
Learning from her own childhood experience that kids can find their path and purpose through ag programs, Alyson says, “We are grateful to Hollandia and our other donors. Thanks to them, Don Diego supports JLA students who otherwise might not be able to show and sell their livestock. In 2026, we helped nearly 40 students with their animal projects. When you add that to the 22 Don Diego scholarship recipients sharing $94,000 in 2026 college scholarships, it’s clear that we are making a difference in the lives of students, who go on to make a difference in the life of our community.”