Foundation Makes Donation to Orleans Parish Schools

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture made a significant donation of children’s books and cash to the Orleans Parish School District. The donation announcement was made at a foundation fundraiser during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 89th annual convention.

Stan Smith, CEO, and Darryl Kilbert, superintendent of the Orleans Parish School District, accepted the donation from Bob Stallman, President.

The foundation donated 100 copies of the book The Tree Farmer by Chuck Leavell and Nicholas Cravotta to the Louisiana school district, in addition to $5,000 for the purchase of Ag in the Classroom materials. The Tree Farmer recently received the foundation’s inaugural “Book of the Year” award.

“We’re pleased to play a role in helping the Orleans Parish School District rebuild its educational resources after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,” said Betty Wolanyk, the foundation’s director of education and research.

Foundation Presents Annual Awards

Alaska Farm Bureau and Nebraska Farm Bureau received Eagle Awards from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture for outstanding financial support.

Bryce Wrigley (left), president of the Alaska Farm Bureau, accepted the Eagle Award from AFBF President Bob Stallman. The award is given to state Farm Bureaus for outstanding financial support to the AFB Foundation for Agriculture.

Keith Olsen (left), president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, accepted the Eagle Award from AFBF President Bob Stallman. The award is given to state Farm Bureaus for outstanding financial support to the AFB Foundation for Agriculture.

Ed Jestice (left), president of the Delaware Farm Bureau, accepted the Award for Excellence on behalf of Delaware for outstanding financial support from county and state board members to the Foundation.

The awards were presented during the organization’s Flapjack Fundraiser, a pancake breakfast at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 89th annual convention.

Nebraska Farm Bureau was recognized for making the largest contribution to the foundation in 2007 from fundraisers, personal donations by members, and donations by county Farm Bureaus or the state organization. The award was accepted on behalf of the state by Keith Olsen, president.

Alaska Farm Bureau was honored for achieving the highest average contribution per member. Bryce Wrigley, president, accepted the award.

“The Alaska and Nebraska Farm Bureaus, and all those who contributed to the foundation during 2007, deserve our thanks,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

“Their contributions enable us to continue working to increase agricultural awareness and understanding.”

In 2007 the foundation focused on agricultural literacy by developing Ag in the Classroom materials, the Accurate Ag Books project, the “Misconceptions About Agriculture” curriculum, Farm Facts lesson plans and other materials for teachers.

Also at the breakfast, the foundation presented the Award of Excellence to Delaware Farm Bureau in recognition of each county Farm Bureau in the state qualifying for a County Leader Award. Ed Jestice Jr., president, accepted the award.

Leading the Challenge

The Foundation’s quarterly newsletter gives you an update on what has been happening. In this edition, youwill read about the new "Accurate Ag Books" project, see the winners of theWhite-Reinhardt teachers scholarships and learn the truth about a misconceptionabout agriculture. To learn more about the programs and how you can donate tothe mission of the Foundation, click here to read the newsletter in PDF format.