Co-op Auction, Commemorative Knife $83,090 for 4-H, FFA

Dec 28, 2020


The 2020 “Co-op Auction Barn” and the Commemorative 4-H/FFA knife program raised a total of $83,090 to be split evenly between the Tennessee 4-H and FFA programs.

The Co-op Auction Barn raised a record $44,090. This was a 156-percent increase over last year’s auction. This year was the fourth consecutive year for the popular event and like TFC’s 2020 virtual annual meeting, it took place online, allowing bidders from far and wide to participate. The auction was hosted Nov. 27 through Dec. 11 at givesmart.com, an online fundraising platform.

A wide range of items comprised this year’s offering, including products from Co-op, Stockdale’s, select vendors, and other contributors. Several were unique, one-of-a-kind items made by Tennessee craftspeople and were clearly popular with participants.

“The Co-op auction provides not only resources to benefit our 4-H program but also visibility and awareness through its many online contacts,” says Director and State 4-H Program Leader Justin Crowe. “We sincerely appreciate the outstanding support of TFC, its employees, and those who bid on the items.”
COVID-19 has had a detrimental effect on fundraising for both 4-H and FFA, and each organization expressed their thanks.

The support Co-op provides each year is always appreciated,” says Kelsey Rose, Tennessee FFA Foundation Director. “This year especially, we are grateful to receive the proceeds from the auction and knife sales. Relationships with partners like Co-op ensure the ongoing success of Tennessee FFA programs, despite challenging circumstances.”

In addition to the money raised in the auction, TFC also presented a check for $39,000 to the state’s 4-H and FFA programs from the sales of Co-op’s 2020 commemorative knife.

“The support and donations from Co-op’s Case Knife program have been invaluable to Tennessee FFA over the last 20 years,” says Tennessee FFA President Erin Welch. “The funds truly allow our program to make a positive difference in the lives of more than 30,000 Tennessee FFA members.”
 

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