The 2021 Cultivating the Future Gala was a record-breaking success thanks to everyone who participated in our largest fundraising event of the year. Over 400 guests packed the house to generously raise almost $145,000 ($47,000 more than 2019)! Wow!! Special guests included Governor Mike & Mrs. Teresa Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike & Mrs. Claudia Kehoe and Missouri State Fair Queen, Chole Mumphard. The "voice of AG radio", Mr. Brian Sowers, emceed the event.
The top auction items of the evening were a Rare Whiskey Tasting & Weston Cigar package donated by Foundation member Adam Dohrman (purchased by James Trelow), a Limo Golf Cart for 1 day at the Fair donated by Foundation member Don Weaver (purchased by Central Bank of Sedalia), a KC Chiefs Suite package donated by Deron Cherry & Shawn Foster (purchased by David Furnell), and a John Deere lawn mower donated by Ag-Power, Inc. (purchased by Nate & Rhonda Ahern).
Proceeds from the event will be used to provide First-Time MSF Youth Livestock Exhibitor grants, fund improvements to Fairground facilities, and engage the long-range planning services of PGAV Destinations.
It was a fantastic evening in which we renewed friendships, honored the legacy of Cindy Weaver and Ron Ditzfeld, and celebrated our many blessings. Smithfield Foods donated the Tomahawk pork chops prepared by Jackson's and served by a troop of volunteers. County Distributing, Missouri Wines, and St. James Winery donated the refreshments. Springwater, once again, did a fabulous job of decorating the tables and Ortmann Wood Craft donated the plate chargers. Our success is 100% the result of generous partners. Thank you, thank you to everyone who volunteered, donated and purchased. We couldn't do it without you!