SMOKEY POINT — The Arlington High School chapter of Future Farmers of America had set a goal of generating $2,000 for FFA in a single day, through the Rairdon’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram test-drive fundraiser on Saturday, April 26.

This event was part of a national day of test-drive fundraising events, at participating Ram dealerships across the country, with the monies that it raised going to the national FFA organization, in support of its local FFA chapter leadership programs.

So, in that sense, the AHS FFA succeeded in their goal, since the Ram test-drives raised $6,620 for FFA in general. For Arlington, though, the 31 test-drives at Rairdon’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, running at $13 per test drive, yielded slightly more than $600.

Still, with the State FFA Convention coming up on May 15-17 in Olympia, AHS FFA advisor Tracy Brown will gratefully take whatever she can get.

“This will help much-needed monetary support for our members to go to State,” Brown said. “The face of the farmer is always changing, but it’s important that we all remember that, at least three times a day, we all rely on a farmer.”

Those who missed the April 26 test-drive fundraiser can still support the AHS FFA through its next fundraiser, a plan sale at the Arlington High School greenhouse, located at 18821 Crown Ridge Blvd., from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 9, as well as from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. Baskets, geraniums and veggie starts will all be available.

“FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students, by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education,” Brown said, citing the organization’s mission statement. “I’d just like to thank everyone, and especially Rairdon’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, for supporting our program, and the next crop of farmers and leaders in the agriculture community.”

Call 360-618-6300 or email arlingtonffa@hotmail.com for more information on the May 8-10 plant sale at AHS.

Students who are interested in becoming members of the Arlington High School chapter of Future Farmers of America must enroll in an agriculture class, offered at AHS, in addition to paying dues of $25 and participate in activities ranging from competing in Career Development Events to exhibiting projects at summer fairs.

If you have any questions about the AHS FFA, email its officers at arlingtonffa@hotmail.com, or Brown at tbrown@asd.wednet.edu.