About Us
Community Impact
D&F Charity Trust’s Journey
More than thirty-seven years ago, Larry Fortenberry founded D&F Equipment Sales, Inc., which had humble beginnings supplying the poultry industry with small equipment and millwright services. As the company expanded and began to grow into the full-service equipment manufacturer and engineering supplier for the poultry, meat, and prepared food industries that it is today, D&F wanted to share their success and give back to the communities in which they operate, which prompted the formation of D&F Charity Trust nearly twenty-seven years ago.
D&F Charity Trust began its mission with hopes to provide scholarships to students pursuing ag-related degrees at Auburn University, hosting fundraisers to help industry up-and-comers fund their futures. Twenty-five years ago, D&F Charity Trust really kicked off their non-profit work by hosting an annual Golf Classic in Alabama each fall. The money collected from this annual event not only goes towards Auburn University School of Agriculture students, but also is donated to Alabama Children’s Rehabilitation Services as a way of helping deserving individuals with medical needs or other supports that allow for a more productive life.
Following the leaps and bounds made by the work done in Alabama, ten years ago D&F Charity Trust in Arkansas began hosting its annual Golf Classic in the spring. The earnings from Arkansas’ event go towards funding the education of students at the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Also aiding children with special needs, funds from the Golf Classic in Arkansas go to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital each year.
D&F Charity Trust is proud of the philanthropy that is possible because of each of the annual Golf Classics, but the community contributions go even farther than just these two events. During the holidays, D&F buys Christmas gifts for underprivileged children to provide a special holiday season and gives items in need to those who are less fortunate. Along with the Golf Classics, the Charity has hosted other rewarding events throughout the years, such as a 1920’s Casino Night at the Glover in Guntersville, Alabama. With support from the Alabama and Arkansas communities, and a passion to serve, D&F Charity Trust hopes to host fundraisers in addition to the Golf Classics every couple of years.
Although the Golf Classic falls in the fall for Alabama and spring for Arkansas, people who share the D&F desire to give back can get involved any time of the year. The Charity Trust accepts donations year-round, and all earnings go toward aiding underprivileged children and those with special needs, or funding the education of college-level students who will become the future of the industry.