The annual FFA Alumni and Supporters Auction Fundraiser was held at the Event Center on Monday Evening.  The event is the primary fundraising activity of MHS’s FFA club, and featured donations from a large number of individuals, businesses and organizations.  Alumni and Supporters Vice President Cooper Daniels announced that last year’s event, including the live auction, silent auction, and donations, had raised more than $14,000 for the club.  He explained that the funds are used for travel expenses, material supplies, scholarships, and other things that help keep the program vibrant and growing.  “We are very excited to see these opportunities for the youth to grow, and we thank you for being here at this auction,” Daniels said.

The evening featured a taco bar, sponsored by Malad Bowling, Mike and Avis Semrad, and Thomas Market.  FFA members were in full force to serve food and help display and distribute auction items.

The FFA called its meeting to order with an official roll call.  Members of the leadership recited the responsibilities of their offices, and reiterated the principles of the FFA Organization.  As a group, the members explained that the FFA’s mission is “To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and promote those qualities of leadership which FFA members should possess.”  Afterward, the meeting was declared open for the transaction of business, and to attend to any other matters that were presented.

“We are gathered here as friends, family and community supporters to enjoy a great dinner and support the Malad FFA organization in the 3rd annual FFA Live Auction and dinner,” FFA President  Kendyl Reeder said.  “As the Malad president, I sincerely thank you and every one of you for being here tonight.  I am a personal recipient of the generosity and support over the past years.  Your support has provided many travel opportunities, project support and classroom experience that I would not be able to receive anywhere else than in the school.  Thank you for all you do for me and every other FFA member.”

After the list of scholarships which had been provided by the FFA last year were recounted, the live auction began, as the silent auction continued in the background.  Many of the items in the auction were created by FFA members, including chain lamps, a variety of tables, and a large swing rocker.  A number of decorative metalcrafts were also up for auction.

Other items that generated bidding wars included Jazz and USU tickets, passes and stays at Cherry Peak, Sawtelle, the Black Swan and other recreation spots.  Pallets of sod, a ton of hay, loads of soil conditioner and perlite, deck railing, and many other home and farm items were also hotly contested.  Food items, candy, gift cards, auto and camping supplies, cosmetics, sessions of oxygen therapy, appliances, furniture, clothing, blankets, jewelry, custom wooden signs, and countless other items made it certain that those who wanted to bid were able to find something they had to have.  Those too shy to bid in public kept the silent auction tables buzzing with participants outbidding each other throughout the night.

The FFA won’t have a full report on the moneys raised and a full donor and bidder list immediately, but the evening saw an excellent turnout and a generous amount raised during the public auction portion.  Once again, the community showed up enthusiastically to support one of its most important organizations for Malad’s youth and future leaders.