Annual Future Farmers of America Deer Hunters Ball fundraiser a success

Jerry Melrose
5 days ago
2 min read

On Thursday, October 16, the Valley High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter held their pre-Opening Day Annual Deer Hunters Ball Dinner and Raffle event in the historic Old Gym.

The VHS Old Gym brimming with the hubbub of non-stop activity during the FFA’s Annual Deer Hunters Ball. Up-front-right at the projector displaying the drawn winning numbers on a screen above the proscenium stage are sophomore volleyball teammates Kaycee Heaton (left) and Sadie Bauer. In the center beyond the items to be raffled are the two raffle tumblers containing the tickets, as the crowd apprehensively awaits their names being announced by President Maddie Cox. Photo by Jerry Melrose.

Featuring a widely assorted array of numerous donated offerings from local businesses and community members, it was the constant luck-of-the-draw excitement that kept the audience enchanted while waiting for their one-buck investment to bear fruit. In a separate ‘Drum Roll, Please!’ raffle, the coveted piece-de-resistance was a $1,000 Gift Certificate provided by Spencer’s Gunsmith & Sale in Glendale. Also, from that same generous outfit was their contribution of 1,000 Rounds of .22 caliber cartridges. All included for the price of a $1 raffle ticket!

Left to right, photos by Jerry Melrose:

Azure Dodson (front right) was the recipient of the 1,000 Rounds of .22 cartridges from Spencer’s Gunsmith & Sale of Glendale. Surrounding her is: Falun Binder (front left) and (back left to right) McKaydee Bauer, Kassidee Cox, Jake Brinkerhoff, JW Reese and Justin Baird.
Orderville Contractor Riley Anderson won the $1,000 Gift Certificate donated by Spencer’s Gunsmith & Sale toward the purchase of a rifle. Sitting next to him is President Maddie Cox on the yet-to-be-drawn love-seat creation of Clayton Cox, Maddie’s uncle. Assembled around them (left-to-right) are: McKaydee Bauer, Kassidee Cox, Justin Baird and JW Reese.

The FFA Chapter’s Chief Executive, Maddie Cox, enthusiastically shared after things quieted down in the shuffle to rearrange the temporary furnishings.

“This is my second year as FFA President, and last year doing the Deer Hunters Ball. It’s bittersweet because I’ve been here, and I’ve seen a lot of good things. I’m proud of our FFA, and I’m proud of the people that put in so much work. They’ve really boosted their confidence and leadership skills going out and talking to the community. And they love the support that we receive from the community. And we’re grateful for them! We’re grateful that we get to do this during the deer hunt. And it’s something that a lot of us are passionate about. And I love that we can come together and celebrate. So, ‘Thank You!’ to everyone. And I’m grateful to be a part of the amazing organization, and I love you all!”