FFA work auction nets record amount
Downpour, power outage adds to fun at yearly event
Staff writer
The annual Marion/Florence FFA work auction was well underway Thursday night when an unusual racket on the roof sent people scurrying out the door.
"Now folks, this isn't the first time it's rained in Kansas," said auctioneer Roger Hiebert. "Don't you all run out and look!"
The downpour and a brief power outage were two of several exciting events which occurred during the annual auction which raised $3,400 for the local FFA program.
"By far and away that's the most money we've ever raised," said local FFA adviser Mark Meyer. "And that was the biggest crowd I've seen in the 16 years I've been here."
More than 120 people turned out to enjoy the hog roast and auction held in the MHS ag shop. With the large crowd, seating was at a premium. In previous years, auction attendance has averaged approximately 80 people.
Besides the rain, which proved a great distraction on the metal roof, the bidders and parents were treated to a brief power outage lasting only a few seconds. Emergency lights turned on immediately and the auction continued uninterrupted.
The scheduled high point of the evening was when senior Becky Tharp, chapter president, presented auctioneer Hiebert with a plaque honoring him for the 30 years he has donated his time to the FFA auction.
Following the dinner, auctioneers Roger Hiebert and Lyle Leppke of Leppke Realty and Auction "sold" 36 FFA members and adviser Meyer. The students (and adviser) are expected to work an eight-hour day completing tasks determined by the buyer.
Before the auction began, Hiebert told the students they should not be concerned about the price.
"This is your contribution and desire to work," Hiebert said. "It's not about how much you bring. It's the fact that you're contributing and it's appreciated."
The average sale price paid for most members was $100, although some went for less and others went for more. There was one notable exception, however, when senior Jordan Trapp sold for $240 to Soyez Livestock after a bidding war ensued.
Meyer explained later than Trapp was working on a trailer for Soyez and that was one reason for the high sale price.
Following the auction, donated prizes contributed by Marion and Florence businesses were presented to the top buyers.
