FFA groups gathered from across Wright County on October 19 to collect cash, checks, or corn donations from businesses and families county-wide. Although it may seem like a regular extracurricular fundraiser, the Wright County Corn Drive will help those with special needs.
“All of our proceeds go to True Friends,” Audrey Aronson ‘28 said. “It is a camp to help people with special needs be able to get access to the care they need while having fun at camp.”
The Corn Drive is one of the many traditions held by Buffalo FFA. Every year, Buffalo FFA holds fundraisers like the Corndrive and fundraisers at Culver’s, and all these events lead one to ask: why is FFA so important?
Contrary to its name, Future Farmers of America (FFA) is not just for those who want to work in agriculture.
“FFA is to prepare you for career and leadership opportunities in the future,” Aronson said. “There is a misconception around it, that it’s just for farmers and kids that are involved in livestock or animals, but it’s not.”
Understanding the purpose behind the county Corn Drive will help explain why FFA is crucial, not exclusively within the Buffalo community, but also throughout the county and across the state.
True Friends, which receives donations from Minnesotan FFA groups, is a nonprofit organization that provides experiences to help adults and children with special needs become more independent and confident. Its programs include camps, retreats, and therapy. Over 15,000 individuals are helped annually at locations nationwide, including camps in Eden Prairie, Maple Lake, Annandale, and beyond.
With the notable cause of advocating for those with special needs, the impact of FFA and its mission beyond its membership and into the broader community is clear. FFA is meant to teach its members how to be leaders in all future career endeavors, and with the Corn Drive in effect, we witness what FFA is truly for.
