Paul F. Engler has always had a special vision for looking ahead with a positive spirit and recognizing the importance of compassion. He sees the value of philanthropy in his own life and wants to see that his concept of giving back remains after him. Simple, positive values of hard work and honesty mark Paul Engler as a man among men. He has been an entrepreneur his entire life and especially wants to help those who help themselves.

Paul was born and raised in Nebraska where he began his college education at age 15 at The University of Nebraska. He began his work life as an Ag teacher and then moved on to purchasing cattle, building feed lots and beginning Cactus Feeders. His innovations in cattle feeding and improving technology associated with the fed cattle business are legendary. He has received many awards associated with agriculture and the cattle industry because he accepted challenges and succeeded in their completion.

Paul and Virginia began the Foundation and have been joined by several of their children in this endeavor. Through this foundation, the Engler family vision, born of love for their family and the communities that they serve is realized.

Paul has been active with the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. Paul recently received the Henry Beachell Distinguished Alumni Award at the University of Nebraska and has been inducted into the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame, Meat Industry Hall of Fame and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Cactus Feeders which he founded in 1975.

Virginia 'Jinx' Joan Kreycik Engler was born in 1932 in the Sand Hills region of north central Nebraska, one of the third generation of Kreyciks who pioneered cattle ranching in this area. As a girl, she worked the ranch alongside her father, brother, and sisters. Her schooling began in a one-room primary school straight out of 'Little House on the Prairie'. Later she attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln on a voice/singing scholarship.

During the 1960s and 70s, Jinx lived and raised a family in Yuma, Arizona. She began her efforts in philanthropy there, helping to organize a chapter of the Assistance League, a national philanthropic organization. She twice served as its president. Among the activities she helped the chapter initiate were Operation School Bell, which has clothed and outfitted many schoolchildren from disadvantaged families, and the preservation and restoration of cultural landmarks such as the Yuma Crossing Quartermaster Depot and Custom House.

Married to Paul F. Engler in 1981, she turned her attention to church and community philanthropy in Amarillo, Texas. She was a leader of Catholic Family Service, Inc. and an active member of St. Mary�s Church of Amarillo. She was also a member of Texas Cattlewomen, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and the National Cattlemen�s Beef Association. In spite of these commitments, she tirelessly supported her husband's business and social affairs.

Jinx's reason for being was helping those she loved, from her family to her neighbors to the friends she made as she traveled with Paul around the world. She was a joyful spirit who treated everyone she met with kindness and generosity. Her three daughters, Claudia, Cathleen, and Caroline, are proud that the Paul and Virginia Engler Foundation will continue to bring that generosity to the Great Plains community.