News Release                                                                                                                               

For more information:                                                                                                                                                                  

Sheldon McKinney
Executive Director
Kentucky FFA Foundation, Inc.

(606) 782-4620
sheldon.mckinney@kyffa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 26, 2019

Kentucky FFA’s Blue & Gold Gala Raises More Than $95,000 for Agriculture Students & Teachers

Kentucky FFA’s newest annual tradition – the Blue and Gold Gala – was a rousing success yet again in its third year. Thanks to the more than 300 people who broke out their party clothes and gathered at Kroger Field on Saturday, September 21^st, the Kentucky FFA Foundation netted more than $95,000 in one evening.

That money will be used to provide scholarships for Kentucky FFA members to attend the Washington Leadership Conference, as well as for Agriculture Innovation Grants. These are program-transforming funds awarded to Kentucky agriculture teachers who have big ideas about new types of instruction.

“The Kentucky FFA Foundation exists to remove barriers and create more opportunities for students enrolled in ag ed, as well as for the teachers who influence them,” said Sheldon McKinney, the Kentucky FFA Foundation’s executive director.

“I think the gala gives people a unique experience and the opportunity to support something they love while having a great time,” she said.

And support it they did - through a combination of ticket purchases, table sponsorships, a silent auction, a live auction and even a rousing game of rock, paper, scissors played against Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles. In one evening, Gala attendees provided funding that will allow agriculture students in Kentucky to have life-changing experiences they or their teachers likely could not have afforded any other way.

“The Washington Leadership Conference trip costs $1,000,” said McKinney. That’s a barrier for many students. When we say ‘ok – we’re going to provide full scholarships,’ we’re making it possible for a student to have that experience when he or she would have otherwise missed out.

“It’s the same thing for our Agriculture Innovation Grants. It’s so unique to be able to give teachers the resources to fund the life-changing work they do in their classrooms every day – no strings attached.

“The Gala is a reunion of sorts for people who have the commonality of loving FFA. They get to see a lot of old friends. We have past state officer teams who will get tables together. We try to make it uniquely Kentucky in so many ways with great food, and great entertainment.

“Most importantly though, by supporting the Gala, these people are giving agriculture programs in Kentucky opportunities to grow in a sustainable and lasting way. They are supporting students and they’re making sure finances aren’t the barrier to their success in FFA.” 

Next year’s Blue and Gold Gala will be in Bowling Green. The official date hasn’t yet been released, but McKinney encourages everyone to watch for the announcement and make plans to attend.

“I just want to make sure that everyone knows they are invited to be a part of the mission and vision of Kentucky FFA,” she said. “We need everybody to make it work.”