Fundraiser helps Pontiac FFA

PONTIAC – Supporters of the Pontiac FFA chapter took advantage of a sunny Saturday to attend the 13th annual chapter auction over the weekend.

Donations from all over the community were included in the annual fundraiser which helps with chapter exchange trips, state and national convention experiences and meals for monthly chapter meetings.

“We get to go to different places and kind of see agriculture throughout our community so without the help of the auction, we wouldn’t be able to pay for those buses or go to those places,” explained officer Maddi Stark.

Students created a list of past donors over a month ago and went door to door for donations. Preparing for the auction includes plenty of hard work as students spent countless hours at the school ahead of time.

“All of the proceeds go straight to Pontiac FFA and all of the things we do with events throughout the year,” noted Sydney Schneeman.

Pontiac FFA members traveled to Colorado for this year’s chapter exchange trip, experiencing the community and agriculture in the region. They toured an urban garden and food hub in the Denver area. They also hosted the National FFA officer team last February and continued a partnership with OSF St. James Medical Center by constructing raised garden beds.

The Pontiac chapter is a top ten program in the state and a national three-star chapter which is the highest ranking. The PTHS organization has 139 members with students engaging in a variety of ag courses including three that offer dual credit with Heartland Community College.

Saturday’s annual fundraiser started with a silent auction and pork chop or ribeye dinner followed by the live auction in the PTHS auditorium.