In response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, the
San Benito County chapter of the Future Farmers of America is
answering the national FFA’s call for help through the Seeds of
Hope program, a fundraising campaign to help rebuild agricultural
education programs in communities affected by the disaster.
In response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, the San Benito County chapter of the Future Farmers of America is answering the national FFA’s call for help through the Seeds of Hope program, a fundraising campaign to help rebuild agricultural education programs in communities affected by the disaster.
“It goes without saying that there are families in these communities who have lost everything,” said Nancy Bergamini, member of the local FFA booster club. “Some schools have been completely blown away, not to mention their Ag programs. Livestock, labs, years of work on the part of students and teachers.”
In the aftermath of Katrina, the national FFA identified over 120 chapters affected by the storm and in need of help, from Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. A total of 5,000 members and their families were affected.
The FFA asked each of its half million members to donate at least five dollars each – the price of a movie rental, Jackie Mundt, FFA president pointed out. An exact total won’t be known until the national FFA convention in Louisville, Ky. convenes Oct. 26.
Individual chapters were also asked to start their own fundraising drives.
“We haven’t tallied the last few checks yet,” said Bergamini. “But we’ll have raised about $4,000 as well as a few in-kind donations.”
Over 15 individuals and 23 local businesses contributed, including the county Farm Bureau, which donated $500 dollars as well as provided contacts for the club and paid for postage.
Bergamini initially learned of the Seeds of Hope campaign through a mass e-mail. She heard about a young FFA member living in a shelter who remained optimistic that her family would be able to rebuild, and was sad only that she had lost her FFA jacket.
“I’m an FFA alumni myself,” she said. “And when I heard that story, it really drove home for me how important the values and skills the program teaches are. I thought, ‘my God, I have to help somehow.'”
The local chapter relied heavily on donations from other alumni who stayed in the community and support the teachings the FFA provided them in their youth, such as Al Bonturi.
“I think very highly of the FFA, it’s one of the best programs we have going here,” said Bonturi, a local walnut orchardist. “It taught me the business I’m in. I learned most of it in high school.”
While today marks the official deadline for donations to the local chapter, Bergamini said she can accommodate donors until Friday, to allow the bank time to process any checks before the group leaves for the National Convention on Tuesday. She can be reached at (831) 901-5849.
After Friday, donations may be made online at www.ffagive.org. Seeds of Hope merchandise may also be purchased.
