THE POLK COUNTY FFA chapters and 4-H clubs have been all about fundraising this year! One huge countywide fundraiser is the #20BuckTruck, sponsored by Kelley Buick GMC of Bartow, and about 25 clubs/chapters are participating in the event.
WHO? Mr. Derrick Kelley, an Auburndale native, donated a BRAND-NEW customized 2015 GMC Sierra that will be given to the lucky ticket holder on January 29 at the Polk County Youth Fair during the steer sale. Mr. Kelley is a Bloodhound alumnus whose roots have been in the automotive industry. Growing up, he grew and sold onions at the Polk County Youth Fair. He believes agriculture is what built our country and it’s important that we invest in what got us to where we are today. For the past few years, Kelley Buick GMC has donated back to the exhibitors in different ways, primarily through giving add-ons to exhibitors who sent them a letter. This year, they wanted to change it up a bit.
HOW DOES THE FUNDRAISER WORK? To get your chapter/club involved in this fundraiser, contact Mrs. Patty Currier at pcteamchevy@aol.com to sign up and get your tickets. Each ticket is $20; $10 goes to your chapter and the other $10 goes to the youth fair. You don’t have to sell every ticket that you start with, but if you do, you can go back and get more. You can even ask to have the truck at any upcoming chapter events and sell tickets while it is there so people have the chance to check it out. Buyers do NOT have to be from Polk County — anyone can buy a ticket. Buyers also don’t have to present to win the truck. Kelley Buick will contact the lucky winner to congratulate them! If your club/chapter is participating in the fundraiser, make sure to turn in your tickets no later than January 20 to Mrs. Currier.
WHAT TYPE OF TRUCK IS UP FOR GRABS? This 2015 GMC Sierra was customized with ranchers in mind. It has no carpet inside, so don’t worry about your muddy boots making a mess. This double cab is ready to haul some trailers or ride through the pastures with its brand-new Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires, specifically designed for any on- and off-road adventures. The spray-in bed liner will protect from any potential scratches. The six-inch Fabtech lift is perfect for anyone. Plus, with a 5.3-liter engine, this bad boy is ready to roll. You don’t want to miss out on your chance to win it!
The Polk County Youth Fair could not survive without the help from its many sponsors, such as Kelly Buick, Bartow Ford, and Mosaic (to name a few) who make sure no exhibitor goes without. Bartow Ford and Mosaic have been huge sponsors for multiple years and purchase the market animals from exhibitors who don’t have a potential buyer in the crowd. I would like to thank all of our supporters who always go above and beyond to give back to the youth. Without all of you, we wouldn’t have one of the largest county fairs in the state of Florida. This month, as you’re driving past those “fields of hay that have just been mowed,” remember to thank a farmer!
CREDIT
article by ABBY CRAWFORD
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Abby Crawford is currently enrolled at Warner University, majoring in Agriculture Studies with hopes to go into the agriculture education or communications fields. She is the former president of the Haines City High School FFA chapter as well as the voice behind 97 Country’s segment, “Ag Time with Abby,” which airs the first Friday of every month during the Breakfast Club with Roger and Melissa. Abby is also the 2014 Polk County Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest Winner. For questions, FFA news, or FFA story ideas, email Abby at abbigailreis@gmail.com.