California's FFA members set another record in community members served at the group's barbecue fundraiser earlier this month.
The California High School FFA chapter hosted its 57th annual barbecue at California High School Oct. 3 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. According to FFA Chapter President Ella Lewis and advisor Gary Morris, members were greeted with significant support from the community as they broke their previous record of 2,500 people served.
Arriving early in the morning, FFA members prepared pulled pork, brisket, potatoes, green beans, corn and alternating desserts. With funds from the event being used to finance the group's trips and activities, Lewis and company said they were very excited to see many local residents come out to enjoy the barbeque.
"There's a lot of opportunities that our members get just because of the money that's raised from the barbecue," Lewis said. "It was packed with a huge line (stretching out towards) the highway. We even had people out on the railroad tracks, it had moved that far out."
At $12 a ticket, Lewis and Morris said they were able to serve a total of 2,840 people. Both were very proud of this result, as it was a significant increase from last year's record of 2,500.
The pair said the 57th annual barbecue served the community in many different ways. People could receive their food through a drive-thru set up along the high school or dine-in inside of the building. Individuals who bought a ticket to the event could also enter a silent auction where they could win prizes.
Many prizes were donated by the community for the FFA to offer in their auction. Lewis said she and her fellow officers are extremely grateful to the community for their support and encouragement. With many events and trips to account for each year, such as the National FFA Convention beginning Oct. 26, she said California's FFA chapter is glad to see such support from the residents of their hometown.
"We would like to say 'thank you'," Lewis said. "We really wouldn't be where we are today without the help of our community. They're a big part (of the barbecue) and why it was so successful."