FFA Week
was extra special this
year for the California
FFA Foundation. Not only did we celebrate the ten-year
anniversary of the FFA Center opening, but we hosted the
Blue & Gold Gala. Over 500 agriculture industry leaders,
alumni, current FFA members, teachers and others joined
together at the FFA Center, to learn about the achievements
of members, and more importantly, how they can support
California FFA and the next generation of agricultural
leaders. Oh yeah, Mike Rowe might have also come by to
take part in the festivities!
California FFA Foundation past chair, Louie Brown,
served as the emcee for the evening, keeping everyone
engaged and entertained. Current Foundation Chair, Dennis
Albiani highlighted the ways the Foundation is enhancing
and increasing opportunities for current FFA members, while
Mike Rowe shared an illustrative story about how he learned
about A.I….which those of us in agriculture know does not
stand for Artifi cial Intelligence! From there former member,
Jake Parnell and the team from Parnell Dickinson joined
us and auctioned off some great items while reminding
everyone of how they can support the California FFA.
“It was a magical, entertaining and inspiring evening,”
noted Toosje Koll, Blue & Gold Gala Chair. “We know
everyone who attended believes in the power and impact of
the blue and gold as much as we do, and many of the them
expressed their support that evening through the auction and
pledge process. The future of the California FFA is bright
because of our support from alumni and industry leaders.”
In addition to all our wonderful sponsors who made the
evening possible, the California FFA Foundation would like
to thank all the FFA members, teachers and chapters who
created centerpieces, welded fl oral stands, volunteered for
set-up and donated amazing one of a kind items for the
auction.
For more information about the Blue & Gold Gala or the
California FFA Foundation, please visit:
www. C a l A g Ed . o r g
Top: Foundation Board members Louie Brown and Toosje Koll, joined
State Offi cer Conner Vernon on-stage to offer Mike Rowe a small token
of our appreciation.
Bottom: Former FFA member, Richard Denier, and his wife, Kathy,
graciously continued their long-term support of the California FFA during
the Gala by purchasing the evening with Mike Rowe auction item.
{ Continued on page 11 }
California FFANEWS • PAGE 10 • Summer 2017