GCR attends annual Blue & Gold Gala
The Blue & Gold Gala was attended by more than 700 people involved in the agriculture industry.
GCR’s Jane Hays and Sara Fleury attended the ninth annual Blue & Gold Gala – held by Arizona Agricultural Education / FFA Foundation – on Feb. 1, alongside Wickenburg Town Council Member Becky Rovey. Billed as Arizona’s “Biggest Night in Arizona Agriculture,” the event supports agricultural education in the state by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Arizona’s Future Farmers of America students.
With a backdrop of familiar FFA navy corduroy jackets on the stage, the evening featured a silent and live auction facilitated by auctioneer and U of A alum Anna Aha, as well as recognition of industry luminaries Ron Rayner and his wife, Heather. Ron Rayner is a third-generation Arizona cotton producer and U of A alum.
Honored as Agriculturalist of the Year was U of A alum David Auza, who owns a utility contracting company. Auza co-chairs an annual Sheepherders Golf Tournament, which supports fair exhibitors and life skills training for people with a disability.
FFA students flanked the stage, representing Arizona’s rural communities and hope for the state’s next generation of agricultural leaders. The FFA empowers its members to develop strong leadership skills, achieve personal growth and build successful careers in the agriculture industry.
(From left) GCR’s Jane Hays, Wickenburg Town Council Member Becky Rovey, event emcee Janette Barnard and GCR’s Sara Fleury.
(From left) GCR’s Sara Fleury, Wickenburg Town Council Member Becky Rovey, GCR’s Jane Hays, Professor Robert Torres of the U of A College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences and his wife, Sara.
The Blue & Gold Gala was attended by more than 700 people involved in the agriculture industry.