Record 450 attend FFA auction, dinner

FFA member Austin Scott displays a socket set during Saturday's auction [Click to enlarge]

A large crowd gathered Saturday night at the Rector Community Center to make the eighth annual FFA Dinner and Auction one of the most memorable events in the organization's history. An estimated 450 people came out for the delicious fish and chicken dinner, with many remaining for the evening's auction.

"We had an outstanding turnout," said FFA adviser Craig Dewey. "It was better than I'd imagined."

The crowd was so large that additional tables had to be set up. As the delicious meal prepared by families of FFA members quickly began to disappear, additional help was required. Organizers contacted Bowden Family Restaurant in Rector, which made sure there was more than enough food for all.

Dewey and FFA president Hannah Scott gave special thanks to Bowden's for the timely assistance.

The auction was expertly handled by auctioneers Rodney McClelland and Michael Hollis. Dewey, who interned under McClelland while in college, served as a special auctioneer during the event.

The auction featured a wealth of high quality products, as well as unique, one-of-a-kind items. Among the most memorable items sold were: a Razorback baseball getaway featuring a two-night stay at the Clarion Inn in Fayetteville, as well as series tickets for three Razorback games against Georgia on April 16-18; two special-made livestock pens constructed by FFA members; a queen-sized cedar bed frame, and a Razorback football autographed by Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett. Dewey himself even went on the auction block, as his services as a worker for one day inspired a spirited bidding war.

"I thought it went well," Hollis said. "They had a lot of great items and everybody here wanted to help out the FFA. I think everybody had a good time."

The items were shown to the bidders by FFA members who made their way around the packed community center. Whether carrying hand-crafted duck calls, heavy-duty toolboxes or even lavishly decorated purses, members did their best to highlight every item up for bid.

The evening also included door prizes and several drawings. Two of the biggest prizes were announced at the end of the night. Faye Coleman was named as the winner of the 32-inch LCD television. Scott Bucy, who was present, was presented the Remington 12 gauge Supermag shotgun, one of the most sought-after items of the event.

While it was easy to get caught up in the food and the fun, the real goal of the evening was to raise the necessary funds for Rector FFA. Though the final amount raised has yet to be determined, the early estimate puts the total around $12,000.

"We're very happy with the results," said Scott. "We raised a lot of money that will help us with all the expenses we have during the year. We want to thank everybody who came out and supported us."

"The community really got behind us," Dewey said. "That kind of support really makes a difference to these kids. I want to thank everyone who donated items and helped out. This wouldn't have been possible without all the people who supported us."