LINCOLN, NEB. – The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation held its annual Grower’s Gala on Dec. 9, during the 2024 Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Annual Meeting and Convention. The evening included dinner, a live auction, and a 90s country dance party.
Lancaster County Farm Bureau sponsored the annual “deck of cards” gun raffle, and Rosie Sugden, of Johnson County Farm Bureau was the lucky winner of a Remington 700 BDL rifle.
“The Grower’s Gala provides an exciting opportunity to say a heartful thank you to so many of our supporters who fuel the progress toward a Nebraska that values agriculture,” said Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director.
A major gift from presenting sponsor Tallgrass Energy kickstarted the night’s fundraising. In total, donors gave more than $115,000 to support Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom, scholarship and awards, and consumer engagement efforts.
“Thank you to our sponsors and donors for the generous gifts made at the Grower’s Gala! With your gifts, even more Nebraska students and families will experience agriculture and all it offers to our state. I couldn’t be more grateful,” said Lona Thompson, senior director of development.
The evening also recognized retiring board member David Briggs and retiring Promotion and Education Committee member Joy Lauritsen.
“These volunteers have pushed us to try new things and reach more Nebraskans. Their hours of service to our organization have truly made an impact on agriculture literacy in Nebraska. It has been an honor to work alongside them,” said Schafer.
The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.
