Greetings from Arizona Association FFA
State President, Ashley Norvell
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Just over two months have passed since team 95 was elected and already, we have made some remarkable accomplishments. Back in June, we hit the ground running with training and camp preparations, all of which allowed Arizona FFA to have an incredibly successful State FFA Camp week. We had over 200 FFA members in attendance for a week full of individual growth, service projects, new friendships, and priceless memories. Following camp, we went through outstanding training done by Andrew Mecre, Mark Reardon, and National FFA staff Savannah Strobel. These training sessions were a journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and advanced facilitation training of all kinds. On a recent trip back home to Chino Valley my mother told me that she has never seen something foster so much gain of real-world wisdom and positive change in a person like FFA has done for me. It was surprising to me that even my close family members who see me regularly could notice how much the training and experience has allowed me to grow as an individual.
In the midst of our training, several members of our team attended the Arizona Farm Bureau Leadership Conference. Following that, in late July, we all attended the State Officer Summit in Washington DC. We learned more about the roles we serve in FFA beyond the State level. During this conference, we connected with State FFA Officers from all over the Nation in efforts to form Delegate Committees for current issues and meet with our State Legislature. We had meetings with Representative Biggs, Representative Stanton, Senator Kelly, and Senator Sinema. We also had drop-in visits with each of our other representatives. During all these meetings, we discussed the Farm Bill, and how it affects our organization, and advocated for FFA on the National and State level. We found all our Legislative visits to be exceptionally successful. During the State Officer Summit, we also decided on which committees our delegates will be leading for the 2023 National FFA Convention, which are the Student Voice Reassessment, and National Officer Nominating Committee Reassessment committees. Speaking on behalf of the entire team, our trip to Washington DC was truly memorable and fulfilling.
As July came to an end we began jumping into our busiest season of the year. Over the past few weeks, we have applied our training to the numerous Chapter Visits our team has been on. We traveled all the way from the Monument Valley Chapter, clear down to the Douglas Chapter with many more to go in between. These visits give us the chance to inspire and connect with members on the local level, and so far, they have had significant turnouts with very positive feedback and results. We have also planned our first Chapter Officer Leadership Training with the theme 'Keeping Dreams Alive'. It took place August 25th- 26th. Planning and preparing for our seven Summit Conferences taking place all over Arizona is another task we have been working on this past month. Summit Conferences will be from September 5th to October 9th and not only is the State Officer Team excited about these events but so many of the members are truly looking forward to this Conference. Team 95 has already made so much impact on the individuals of Arizona FFA. From State Camp to advocating for them in the Capitol, to now getting to connect with all our members through Chapter Visits, we have worked diligently and given this incredible organization our all. With less than 300 days left to serve Arizona Association FFA as State Officers, my team and I are determined to make every second count.
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Don't delay in grabbing your tickets for the 8th annual Blue & Gold Gala! More than 50% sold already for this incredible event. This has become the signature event of the year that you don't want to miss January 27, 2024, at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa.
'The Biggest Night in Arizona Agriculture' will bring together more than 650 attendees to celebrate agriculture education and FFA in Arizona. This night brings together supporters from all aspects of the agriculture industry and other key industries. The evening will feature a reception, silent auction, dinner, live auction, and dancing.
We are thrilled to announce this year's Blue & Gold Honoree is Bruce Cain from Farm Bureau Financial Services. We will also recognize the Agriculturalist of the Year. Professional auctioneer, Anna Aja will be returning. The Dina Preston Band will be providing the entertainment during the reception and for the after party. We are very excited to have Cory McCloskey from Fox 10 serving as the emcee this year.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available and range from Gold to Bronze Level which all include a table of 10. Grab your friends and colleagues to secure a table sponsorship. The Friends of the Blue & Gold include opportunities ranging from $5,000 to the patron support of $500.
Do you have a product or service you would like to promote through the event or enjoy creating special gift baskets that you would like to make a contribution? We are seeking donations for the silent auction. The silent auction is viewed by those attending the event and many others through the online platform.
We are grateful for Arizona Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Financial Services for serving as the title sponsor for the past eight years!
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Unique Branded Accent Decor Still Available |
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These unique decor pieces could serve as a centerpiece, accent on your patio, living room or office. Arizona Cattle Brand decor boxes are available for a donation of $50 per box!
Add a unique piece of decor to your home or office. They are 10 x 10 light-weight boxes with decor rocks across the top and accented with faux succulents. No maintenance! Add a unique element and rustic look to any room while showcasing the Arizona cattle industry and supporting FFA!
Visit www.blueandgoldgala.org to see the boxes available and to purchase. Hurry while they last! Pick up can be arranged in the Phoenix area!
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Blue Jacket Legacy Program |
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The Blue Jacket Legacy Program has gifted 555 FFA jackets to Arizona members over the past five years. The jacket empowers students with a sense of pride as they wear it throughout the year to chapter and state events.
As the jacket celebrates 90 years, it still empowers students to this day with a sense of pride as they wear it throughout the year to chapter, state and national events. The jacket unifies members in a long-standing tradition and reminds them that they are part of something larger than themselves.
This program would not be as successful without the tremendous support from donors that support the program. Jacket sponsorship opportunities are available for $80 per jacket. We hope you will consider supporting the program and gifting a jacket to an FFA member.
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FFA Says Goodbye to Longtime Supporters
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The Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation is saddened with the loss this past month of two amazing men that had a passion to support youth in agriculture and the FFA. |
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Many have had the pleasure of working with or meeting Meagan Kimmerle, the Foundation's Executive Assistant/Program Coordinator. Meagan's husband, Andrew Alan Kimmerle, 42, of Goodyear, Arizona passed away on Sunday, August 20th, 2023. Andrew was a huge supporter through Sanderson Ford for many years with the Blue & Gold Gala and personally through the support he and Meagan have provided through the gala and Blue Jacket Legacy Program.
Andrew is survived by his wife of 16 years Meagan, sons Anderson, Mason, Ardon, and Markson, his father David Kimmerle and his wife Jill Kimmerle, brother Matthew & Kara Kimmerle, sisters Paige & Adam Cox, Brooke Kimmerle, Ashley & Dustin Davy, and Brittany & Tom Randl, father and mother-in-law Bill & Sine Kerr, brother-in-law Wes & Lauren Kerr, sisters-in-law Erin & Brad Kuiper and Julie & Austin Garcia, and 20 nieces and nephews. Andrew was preceded in death by his mother Sue Kimmerle.
Andrew was a beloved member of his community. He was a devoted member of Summit Community Church of Buckeye, Finance Manager at Sanderson Ford, Treasurer for his son’s school, West Valley Christian School, President-elect for the Maricopa County Fair Board, active with the Arizona Deer Association and Wildlife World Zoo among other philanthropic endeavors. Andrew lived his life to the fullest with each day being an adventure. His love for God, his family, and country were at the foremost in everything he did. His infectious smile and mischievous nature will always be remembered.
Andrew’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 8th, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Arizona State Fairgrounds Agriculture Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Andrew Kimmerle Memorial Fund to support the future of his four sons. Funds can be sent to Sanderson Ford Memo: Andrew Kimmerle Memorial Fund, 6400 N. 51st. Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301 or through the QR Code link below.
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Many of us remember Lyle Wright from when we were in high school back many years ago through his involvement at Peoria High School and seeing him at many of the State FFA events.
Lyle passed away on August 26, 2023, at the age of 86, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
He shared his love for agriculture with his family and volunteered at the Maricopa County Fair and Arizona National Livestock Show as a beef superintendent for several years. His biggest joy in life was spending time with his family and some would say he was the world’s greatest grandpa. He never missed a county fair, sporting event, or graduation. He was up to any task his family wanted and was their biggest cheerleader. Lyle was a strong supporter of Peoria FFA and served as an Industrial Tech from around 1984 through 2020 at Peoria High School. Lyle's daughter, Trudy and son, Jeff served as State FFA Officers along with three of his grandchildren, Amanda, Mike and Jessica.
Lyle is survived by his wife, Ellyn; brother, Darwin, his children, Dee Ann (Gilbert), Tracy, Trudy (Tim), Jeff (Krissy); 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews, and honorary grandpa to more than we can count.
Please join his family honoring Lyle for a visitation on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Heritage Funeral Chapel in Peoria from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A gathering for family and friends on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Peoria High School Auditorium from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service following from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Lyle will be laid to rest with a private family burial at West Rest Haven Cemetery in Glendale.
In lieu of flowers consider contributing to the Lyle Wright Memorial Scholarship.
Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation
PO Box 5310
Glendale, AZ 85310
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How would it feel knowing that you can be of incredible support to the Foundation with no impact on your current lifestyle or your family’s financial security? We would like to tell you a little more about planned gifts – why they are an advantaged way to support agriculture education and FFA, and how you would receive tax benefits from different vehicles.
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Become A Newsletter Sponsor
Do you have a service or product you would like to market to those that follow the Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation or would like to just support the efforts of the Foundation? Become a sponsor of one of the monthly electronic newsletters to reach more than 6,000 subscribers.
Sponsorship is $200 per month. Contact the Foundation for more details and the months which are available. The Foundation has final approval for advertising sponsorship to align with the values and mission. Contact Foundation@azffafoundation.org. |
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