The Blue & Gold Gala is Sold Out! |
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The 7th annual Blue & Gold Gala, presented by Arizona Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Financial Services is already sold out! We are blown away by the excitement and support for the upcoming Gala on January 28th. Thank you!
For those who were not able to secure a table or tickets, there are still several ways to be a part of 'The Biggest Night in Arizona Agriculture' through sponsorship opportunities. There are many sponsorships opportunities still available which will include your business' logo on the printed program, screens throughout the night, social media and website by visiting www.blueandgoldgala.org
You can participate in the silent auction which will go live in January. Be sure you are on the list to receive the information by signing up online at www.blueandgoldgala.org. Donations are being accepted to help us break another amazing record this year through the gala. Contributions can be accepted now through the evening of the gala by visiting www.blueandgoldgala.org.
We have also created a waitlist for those who would like to attend. Many times schedules change leading up to an event and seats or tables become available. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please sign up here: Wait List
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There are many benefits to supporting the Foundation by investing in the premier secondary agriculture education leadership program, the FFA. The Foundation is a 501c3 non profit which allows you to work with your CPA for the tax deductible donation. There are several ways you can give from the heart to support our next generation of leaders through agriculture education and the FFA. Any donation small or large can make a difference. Explore the programs and opportunities to find the one that speaks to your heart.
- Giving Tuesday is coming up on November 28, 2022. Make a contribution through our Giving Tuesday donation link.
- The Foundation is set up with several reward programs where your everyday shopping can help benefit the Foundation, by selecting the Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation to receive rewards. Visit the Shop Community Rewards link at the bottom of the newsletter.
- Any contribution, large or small, can be set up as a monthly or yearly giving, which includes you in the Corduroy Club. For more details about this program visit https://azffafoundation.org/corduroy-club.
- The Blue & Gold Gala is coming up in January. You can make a donation during the event or if you are unable to attend you can go online now through the evening of January 28th, 2023 to help us break a record again this year in the funds raised! Visit www.blueandgoldgala.org to make a donation.
- We are looking for sponsors for career development events, proficiency awards and other programs for FFA and agriculture educators. Give us a call at 602-705-9211 or email foundation@azffafoundation.org to see what is currently available.
- Leave a legacy and set up a planned gift or endowment to make a difference in the lives of young people for generations to come. Visit https://azffafoundation.org/seeds-for-tomorrow and give us a call at 602-705-9211 or email foundation@azffafoundation.org.
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The 95th National FFA Convention |
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More than 69,596 FFA students and advisors nationwide attended the 95th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana last week. Students were exposed to new career paths and opportunities, while celebrating the accomplishments these future leaders have made over the past year. Arizona had many students compete in the Career Development Events, 37 members received their American Farmer Degree, Marcos Amaya from Cibola FFA performed in the National Band, and Lute Sawyer from Buckeye FFA performed in the National Chorus. We had 2 members who finished in the Final 4 for their Proficiency Awards: Cade Haggard for Agricultural Servies from Buckeye FFA, and Jack Owen for Swine Production from Wilcox FFA. Tyler Martinez, FFA member from Cibola FFA, served as the Arizona National Officer Candidate. Tyler we are very proud of your accomplishments, you represented Arizona well!
Students attended general convention sessions where they were inspired by their peers and visited the Career Expo. In addition, attendees participated in career success tours and student and teacher workshops. Those in attendance also participated in a community service event with FFA members across the country, joining the National Days of Service in their local communities.
The National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education (NASAE) convention took place at the beginning of the week in Indianapolis. Arizona FFA Executive Secretary, Bethany Matos, serves as the NASAE Secretary and helped coordinate the conference delegation. Rochell Planty, Foundation Executive Director had the opportunity to present a roundtable session during the NASAE Convention on "Building a sense of community and strong relationship to create unique partnership and sponsorship opportunities for your FFA events".
We are so proud of each of the members and chapters! Please join me in congratulating Arizona FFA for their many accomplishments!
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AAEC Paradise Valley FFA's Agriculture/Vet Science team finished 10th in the nation!!! |
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Buckeye FFA Livestock Judging Team - Gold |
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New Leadership for the
Foundation Executive Committee
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The Arizona Agricultural Education FFA Foundation recently held elections to fill the vacancy of the Vice President position, which adjusted some of the leadership positions on the Executive Committee and added a board member to a new leadership position. We are thrilled to announce Farrah Smith of The Agroaccountant moved up into the Vice President Role. Farrah also continues to serve as the Blue & Gold Gala Chair. Doug Norton, of Farm Credit West, moved from an At-Large position to Treasurer, and Scott Pilchard, of Western Skies Advisory, moved into the At-Large position on the Executive Committee.
The following leaders continue to serve on the Executive Committee in their 2-year terms, President, Heather Rayner; Secretary, Richard McPherson; Past President, Steve Goucher; and At-Large, Leigh Loughead Wilson.
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Farrah Smith, Vice President |
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Grab Your Raffle Tickets! |
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There is still time to grab your tickets for this amazing raffle! Don't forget to refer a chapter to help them raise funds directly through this fundraiser for their chapter. There are more than $14,500 worth of excitng prizes this year!
Tickets are $20 each or six for $100! Must be at least 18 years of age to purchase tickets and a resident of Arizona. Winning tickets will be drawn on January 28, 2023 during the Blue & Gold Gala.
Tickets are on sale at the following retail partners: Bales Hay in Buckeye, Olsen's Grain Stores in Clarkdale, Prescott, Chino Valley, Dewey and Flagstaff and Maid Rite Feed in Willcox. Tickets will be sold through the retailers until January 6, 2023. Online tickets are available until noon on January 28, 2023.
A special thank you to Stotz Equipment, Marana Stockyards, Western Skies Advisory, Kerr Family Dairy, Ron & Heather Rayner, and Sonoran Associates, LLC for supporting the amazing prizes this year. Grab your tickets today!
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Thank you Jim for your years of service on the FFA Foundation Board! |
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Jim Klinker receiving his thank you plaque from FFA Foundation President, Heather Rayner for serving from 2018-2022 At-Large Board of Trustee. Joining the presentation Board of Trustee members Steve Goucher, Past President, and Scott Pilchard, At-Large Member.
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Did you know you can name the Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation in your estate planning to provide a gift of support for agriculture education and FFA? We would be glad to visit with you about this opportunity.
Please notify us if you plan to name us in your estate plan. We would like the opportunity to properly thank you.
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