Fun Day for a Good Cause

A fun day for a good cause. That was the key takeaway from the fifth annual golf tournament hosted by the Almond Board of California’s Leadership Program Class of 2023.  

The event brought together 140 players on May 5 at Dragonfly Golf Course in Madera. It was a perfect day for playing golf and, more importantly, raising money for the next generation of ag leaders in the state.  

Thanks to industry support of this year’s tournament, nearly $24,000 were raised and donated to the California FFA Foundation. That money, in turn, will be awarded in the form of scholarships to FFA members.  

“Everyone who played has a direct relationship or is involved with the almond industry and we appreciate everyone’s contributions,” said Darryl Hadlich, the tournament co-chair and one of 18 members of this year’s Almond Leadership Program.  

The tournament hosted 35 teams, 21 sponsors and 10 members of the Madera FFA Chapter, at the sold-out event, a solid turnout according to Hadlich.  

“Both the almond industry golfers and the FFA students really enjoyed getting together and having a great time while raising money for student scholarships,” Hadlich said. 

Thanks to all the players and sponsors, this year’s golf tournament easily exceeded the fundraising goal set by the members of the Almond Leadership Program. 

“This event is important because the students who benefit from the scholarships are important,” said Rebecca Bailey, senior specialist in industry relations for the Almond Board. “These current ag students are the future leaders of the California ag industry and within their local communities. College is expensive, so being able to support students as they pursue higher education will help to ease financial and stress-related burdens.”  

The golf tournament is one of the high points on the calendar each year for the leadership class, which seeks to engage members of the almond community in creating a culture of lifelong leadership development, networking, education and service.   

“The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and connections to serve in leadership roles within the industry, whether that be within ABC or local organizations, like their county farm bureau or water board,” Bailey explained.  

Applications for the 2024 Leadership Program will begin to be accepted in October. Participants sign up for one year. For more information, email Rebecca Bailey at rbailey@almondboard.com.