Manila FFA Alumni Auction and dinner for scholarships

The Manila FFA Alumni auction and dinner for scholarships was held on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Manila Airport/Community Center.

A fish and chicken dinner, catered by Big Butts of Leachville, was served with approximately 260 attending.

Sammy Williams and Greg Stallings, auctioneers, kept the bidding lively and drawings were held throughout the evening. There was a large variety of items ranging from a cooler of T-bone steaks to designer sunglasses included in the 125 items sold to the highest bidders.

Two shot guns, one of 10 chances going to the highest bidder; and another using a card drawing were won by Tony Hawkins. Hawkins gave one back to be auctioned.

A drawing for a $500 Visa card was held with LeeAnn Helms winning the card.

FFA members were on hand to help with the auction. They built a deer stand, cajun cooker and cowboy wok, a barbecue pit, and picnic table to be auctioned.

Manila FFA Adviser Dwight Booth expressed his appreciation to everyone who helped with the auction, the donations, and the participants for their generosity.

The FFA Alumni organization was formed 16 years ago by the late Dale Poag, longtime FFA Adviser at MHS and former members, to raise money for college scholarships.

Through the efforts of the alumni association and area businesses and individuals, the organization has given over $100,000 in scholarships through the years.

Will Despain serves as president of the Manila FFA Alumni Association.

This year's event raised over $16,000.