As Alba-Golden Superintendent Cole McClendon described, “the best booster club in the state of Texas” came together Saturday for its annual dinner and auction. 

It was the Alba-Golden Chapter of the State Association of Young Farmers that filled the Alba-Golden School cafeteria for the fundraiser. By the end of the formal auction, the group had raised $25,657 for the sustainment and activities of the Alba-Golden agri-science department and the FFA.

The Young Farmers staged an exceptional event  – well-planned, well-coordinated and effective.

Alba-Golden sophomore Otis Lee played guitar and sang throughout the dinner seating. The excellent chicken-fried chicken dinner served up cafeteria style was provided by 2C Catering. 

Once well-fueled, 165 guests sat down to enjoy the auction. Young Farmers President David Havard introduced auctioneer Kelly Conley, and the show was underway.

The creations of the Alba-Golden agri-science woodworking and metal working classes spanned the whole spectrum. From useful farm and ranch implements like T-post drivers and pullers, fire pits and self-feeders, to household items such as step stools, shelving and cutting boards, to unique items such as a portable deer-skinning rack and some original artwork, there was something for everyone. 

Not only did the crowd enjoy the banter of an auction, but at one point, they corrected the organizers.

One entry had been described as a “produce bin,” the guests explained that the item was more accurately a “sweet potato bin.”

Among the crowd were Ken and Dana Donahue, owners of Lake Fork Marina. They were there in support of their granddaughter, Alba-Golden eighth-grader Savannah Burnett. Tommy Paben and his son Judson (10) were also in attendance. Paben is a cattleman in the Golden area.

The Harrison children (Reagan 9, Hunter 6 and Hudson 4) were present with mom and dad, Justin and Sarah Harrison.

The youngsters seemed to enjoy the event, especially signaling bids. The Harrisons run 5H Rental and Land Management and attend many of the local ag-science events in and around Wood County.  

Twice the proceedings were paused. Retiring Superintendent McClendon was recognized by the Young Farmers for his strong personal support of their efforts. He was gifted a beautiful plaque inscribed with the words “Living to Serve.”

As a small ag-science team arrived from their trip back from Lubbock, the auction recognized their efforts. The team, led by ag-science teacher Richard Lovorn, had just finished competing in an entomology competition and was recognized by a nice round of applause.

The Young Farmers chapter funds their support for the ag-science department and FFA largely through the annual action.

Among other things, they fund student meals and per diem during away competitions and give out a significant amount of money each year in scholarships.

Accordingly to Young Farmer Sherry Ragsdale, last year the Young Farmers awarded $10,000 in scholarships.