Release from California FFA Foundation:
64,000 California FFA members have a place to call home

» February 13, 2007 «

FFA Center Opens in Galt, California

Galt, California - For 79 years members of California Association Future Farmers of America (FFA) have been homeless, but that will soon change. On February 21, 2007, the doors of the newly constructed FFA Center in Galt, Calif., will officially open to 64,000 members across the state.

The FFA Center will serve as a leadership development site with state of the art technology for leadership and communication training. It includes laboratory classrooms for curriculum development, administrative offices, meeting rooms and state FFA Officer living facilities. Located on six acres, 20 miles south of Sacramento along Highway 99, the FFA Center will be the hub of operations for the organization and a home for FFA's rich heritage.

The creation of the FFA Center is credited to the vision of the FFA members. FFA is the largest high school student organization in California with 64,000 members and millions of alumni. Students throughout California have worked hard to raise funds for the FFA Center and are proud that work has finally paid off.

"FFA members have always had a desire for a place to call home and we knew it would take a lot of support from the agriculture industry and past and present FFA members," said Jesse Garcia, California State FFA President. "The FFA is like one big family, we all pulled together and now we finally have what we all have been working for."

The FFA Center could not have been completed without help from a few key supporters. More than 600 individuals, companies, organizations and foundations "Believe" in the 64,000 students who are developing personal leadership skills to ensure the future of California agriculture. The "I Believe" campaign was launched in 2002.

The California FFA will celebrate this milestone in history with a ribbon cutting ceremony on February 21, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura will offer opening remarks to an audience of more than 1,000 FFA members and guests. Former members are traveling from out of state to be a part of this historic event.

The California FFA is proud to complete Phase I of the FFA Center, but there is still work to be done. Members, alumni, and friends of the FFA have come together to raise $2.3 million. Additional funds to complete this first phase were made available through the USDA Rural Development Communities Program. The goal of the Foundation is to continue to generate financial support to pay the low interest loan and begin the development for Phase II.

"Completing the first phase of the FFA Center is achieving a dream together," said Garcia. "We hope supporters of the FFA will continue to show their generosity by helping us complete this worthy project."

The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Founded in 1928, the California FFA has contributed to the success of millions of Californians. For more information visit www.caffafoundation.com.

Contact: Rosemary Farao-Vernon (916) 714-2970

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Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com