The 5th annual Blue & Gold Gala presented by Arizona Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Financial Services was held virtually this year on March 5th. The event, typically held in person, transitioned virtually this year, bringing together passionate advocates to support agriculture education and the FFA. This year $233,610 was raised through the gala and Fundraising for Ag Education Raffle.
This year’s emcee and professional auctioneer Anna Aja, along with the Gala Chair Farrah Smith, guided the evenings presentations. Sam L. Smith, country singer and Kentucky FFA member, provided the entertainment for the evening.
A highlight of the evening for the Foundation was to present the Blue & Gold Award. This year the prestigious award was presented by Foundation Past President Steve Goucher to Dr. George Seperich.
The Blue & Gold Award recognizes an individual, group or organization that best supports the Foundation, Arizona FFA youth, and agriculture education. Dr. George Seperich has made a significant impact on many FFA students over the years. His tireless service to the agricultural community will have a lasting impact for years to come. He has been instrumental on the National FFA level through the Career Development Events. Dr. Seperich also served many years on the Foundation Board completing his service as Board President before he retired from the Board.
State FFA President Ashton Redd had the honor to recognize Richard Lunt as the 2020 Agriculturalist of the year on behalf of the Arizona Association FFA.
The Agriculturalist of the Year is given annually to a member of the agriculture community who has a strong spirit of leadership and has made a significant contribution to Arizona agriculture and the community. The State FFA Officers from the Arizona Association FFA make the selection annually from nominations from FFA members across Arizona.
An outstanding agriculturalist, community service leader and FFA supporter, Richard Lunt, grew up working on the farm, dairy and ranches. A past FFA member, he was recognized as Star Greenhand, Star Chapter Farmer and later in life became an Honorary Chapter Farmer. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Animal Science. Richard Lunt now is serving in his fourth term as the Greenlee County Supervisor. You can enjoy more of Richard’s story in the digital program available at
www.blueandgoldgala.org.
The 6
th annual Blue & Gold Gala presented by the Arizona Farm Bureau & Farm Bureau Financial Services will be held February 19, 2022 at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa. More details regarding registration will be available in the coming months at
www.blueandgoldgala.org.