BIC auction to benefit FFA program raises over $33,000

A large crowd gathered Saturday to show their support for the Buffalo Island Central FFA. A dinner and auction was held at the Monette First Baptist New Life Center.

Family members of the late Mike Wallace were recognized at the 2017 BIC FFA auction/dinner. A Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship has been established. Pictured with the Wallace family are BIC FFA Officers. (Town Crier photo/Revis Blaylock)

FFA Adviser Bruce Fires welcomed everyone thanking the school and the community for their support. He also thanked Superintendent Gaylon Taylor for the barbecued chicken and pork steak, and other volunteers who provided the free dinner. He recognized auctioneers Rodney and Lora McClelland, and Nathan and Phalycia McClelland.

"They help with 28 FFA auctions a year and do not charge," Fires said. "We appreciate them."

BIC FFA members presented them with metal yard signs they had made.

Going once, twice, sold!

Among the volunteers helping to auction and serving as ring men, keeping the bidding lively, were Joel Grimes, Michael Hollis, B.J. Lenderman, Casey and Lane Wells, Austin Kennon, Lane Kelly, Chase McClelland, BIC FFA members and others.

A special video tribute, "God Made a Farmer," in memory of the late Mike Wallace was presented.

"Mike Wallace left a legacy of what a farmer is all about," Fires said. "We want to thank the Wallace family."

A portion of the proceeds from the evening will go to a Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship.

The Wallace family was recognized and presented with a plaque that will be placed at the school and each year names of the scholarship recipients will be added. Also, Mr. Wallace's FFA jacket from Monette was placed in a glass display box and will be on display at the school.

BIC FFA Adviser Bruce Fires welcomes everyone to the 2017 dinner/auction. Also pictured is auctioneer Rodney McClelland.

Fires thanked Kevin Cooper with Eagle Laser of Monette, who created the plaque with an etched picture of Mr. Wallace.

A variety of over 100 items went to the highest bidders who were very generous throughout the night. At the end of the evening an estimated $33,000 was raised.

In addition to the live auction items, there was a silent auction with a large variety of items.

One of the fun events each year is the 10 duck calls auctioned throughout the night giving the high bidders the opportunity to win a shotgun at the end of the auction. For the third consecutive year the same two young men, cousins Connor Miller and Blaine Wildy, were the last two standing. Blaine won the shotgun the last two years but this year was Connor's lucky year and he was the winner.

An added auction activity this year for the women gave bidders the opportunity to purchase 10 purses auctioned during the night. At the end of the auction a drawing was held for the 10 purse holders for a basket filled with over $1,200 in prizes. The winner of the basket was Maddigan Carroll, a BIC FFA officer.

A 50/50 drawing was held with Lynn Smith, retired BIC teacher, winning $179. Mr. Smith gave the money back to go into the Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship fund.

Donations were taken for a chance to win a shotgun using three decks of cards. As the card holders were eliminated, the winner was John Garrett Edwards.