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 6th 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.
Fundraising for Ag Education Raffle Winners
This year the Blue Jacket Legacy Program awarded 109 FFA jackets to students across Arizona with the support of generous donors.

The Official Dress jacket was adopted in 1933. The FFA corduroy jacket is an article of faith, honor and pride. The jacket unifies members in a long-standing tradition and reminds them that they are part of something larger than themselves.

Over the past three years this program has awarded 285 FFA jackets. During the recent Blue & Gold Gala there were 21 jackets sponsored for next fall's grant program. If you would like to support the program you can make a contribution of $75 per jacket by clicking on the link below. This program would not be successful without the support of our donors.
Early Registration Deadline Approaching
Join us for the 7th Bustin' Clay for FFA Trap Shoot on May 15, 2021 at the Casa Grande Trap & Skeet. Experienced and novice participants welcome! Come out for a day of fun, meet new friends and support agriculture education and the FFA in Arizona. Early registration deadline is April 24th!

We are seeking sponsorship for the ammo, Double Barrels and Traps. If you are interested in serving as a sponsor or you would like to donate to the raffle please contact Rochell at rochell@azffafoundation.org.
For more information on the event visit www.bustinclayforffa.org
In today’s current environment, where real estate values are at all-time highs, it may be a great time to consider a gift of real estate to the Arizona Agricultural Education/ FFA Foundation. With proper planning, and the counsel of experienced professionals, we can help you design a planned gift of real estate that may benefit both you and the Foundation. Please contact us at 602-705-9211 or Rochell@azffafoundation.org.
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