The Sonoma Valley Ag Boosters, supporters of the Sonoma Valley High School “Future Farmers of America” and the “Sustainable Agriculture Academy”, held their annual fundraising gala last night at the Hydeout in Sonoma…

A huge crowd of students, teachers, staff, and adults joined in for a fun gala event supporting all things agriculture at the high school…

Above, the students quickly got out of their work clothes and changed into their dress clothes and FFA jackets. We were all so impressed with the kids – they did all the hard work and heavy lifting over two long days to set up and tear down the event. Students moved all the tables and chairs, hung string lights, stocked the bar, parked cars until the lot was full, greeted every guest individually at the gate with a firm handshake, served and cleaned up dinner, and were pillars of good behavior throughout. They showed interest, poise, and spunk throughout the event…

Above, the back of the “California Sonoma FFA” jacket…

Below, attendees dutifully studied their live auction items over dinner…

In a world seemingly gone a little bit mad, and where nearly everything seems polarized, the students and teachers ran a flawless event. In the audience was a wonderful mix of the great Sonoma demographic, people from all walks of life, and many industries including hospitality, wineries, growers, dairy, government, and education; and everyone was incredibly generous, proving there is still something good and wholesome about agriculture in America…

Early reports indicate nearly twice as much money was raised this year versus 2016. Paddles were raised high for many interesting auction lots, all of which involved the students offering all manner of services including gardening, flowering arranging, dinners, and customized plasma-cut logo signage…

As dinner wound down, the sun set and the night lights, heaters, and fire pits came to life. We awoke this morning to find the Hydeout in spotless mint condition, a further testament to the care and kindness of the students, faculty, staff, and parents involved in this worthwhile program.

Out thanks to all. Warmly. Ken and Cynthia Wornick, Hydeout Sonoma

http://sonomaagriculture.weebly.com

http://sonomavalleyhigh.org/agriculturedept.html

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/4517510-181/new-high-school-agriculture-program?artslide=0