Troy Gravatt, former FFA high school instructor and auctioneer, calls for bids during the live auction at The Almond Conference Gala Dinner last December. All proceeds from the auction are donated to the California FFA Association to provide scholarships to graduating FFA students.Five years ago, Almond Board of California began raising funds for the California FFA Foundation to help ensure scholarships were available for graduating seniors who were pursuing agriculture as their college major. Between 2011 and 2015, nearly $20,000 was raised through the silent auction as part of The Almond Conference. In 2016, the Almond Leadership Program participants were challenged to raise $15,000. This group of enthusiastic, talented and connected individuals formed three committees, comprised of 1) online donations, 2) silent auction and 3) a live auction to achieve this goal. With the help of nearly 50 companies and individuals who donated items and made online bids, more than $27,000 was raised!
Former FFA high school instructor and auctioneer of the 2016 Live Auction Troy Gravatt said, “The $27,000 raised is a testament to industry investing in future leaders by continuing to host an industry event that supports high school FFA members who will become our future leaders.”
All proceeds from the auction are donated to the California FFA Association to provide scholarships to graduating FFA students. The California FFA Association state scholarships are available to high school seniors.
A big thank-you to everyone who donated or purchased an item at the silent auction, or made an online donation. A special thanks to Firebaugh, Turlock, Woodland Christian and Pleasant Grove FFA Chapter ag students for volunteering their time at The Almond Conference.
