Hays High Future Farmers of America chapter kicked off National FFA Week with the annual labor auction on Sunday, Feb. 21.

The labor auction was hosted in the cafeteria, and approximately 150 guests attended and 26 FFA members participated.

Instructor Nikole Winter said that the chapter was able to raise $10,432.

“All of that money will be going towards our scholarships for seniors,” Winter said. “The money raised will be split six ways, depending on the participation of those seniors throughout their FFA careers.”

The auction is the chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year, and preparations started after Winter Break ended.

“The planning process for this event included arranging caterers for the dinner that was served, getting coolers and ice for the drinks, asking the auctioneers to come and help with the bidding, setting up the cafeteria for the event and sending out letters to reach out to people and letting them know the date and time,” sophomore Amelia Jaeger said.

During the auction, interested buyers signed up for their bid numbers, all guests enjoyed a meal from Helping Hands of God, mystery tubs of supplies were sold, the FFA members were auctioned off for labor, there was a heads or tails contest for younger kids and a silent auction was held on the side.

“I just think it was awesome that we could have the event,” Winter said. “It was great being able to host this kind of community event where people could come in and see our students. COVID has restricted a lot of things, but I felt like this is one thing that we got to host that was sort of going back to normal and provided that regular opportunity for both families, students and community members.”

National FFA Week started on Feb. 20 and ended on Feb. 27. During the week, FFA members dressed up each day to get points toward their point total.

“On Thursday morning (Feb. 25), we had a breakfast for our members, parents, teachers, alumni and supporters. FFA made omelets starting at 6:30 a.m., and then that evening we took part in the Farm Bureau movie opportunity that focuses on farm safety on silos and grain bins.”

Following National FFA Week, the chapter will do a few upcoming activities.

“Some upcoming events for FFA include March 1 is the poultry judging contest that is being held online, March 13 is the tours of farms in Ellis County and April 29 is the District Officer Banquet where selection of new officers will happen,” Jaeger said.

22nvuong@usd489.com