Here’s why others have given.
What’s your story?
Jacket Fund l Ted Ward Legacy Fund
Jacket Donations Inspire FFA Greatness!
Looking for a venue to support Nebraska FFA with immediate results? The Nebraska FFA Jacket Fund is a great way to go! This fund, established in 2008, has already provided jackets to more than 140 students over the past two years, with 102 being awarded in October, to deserving Nebraska FFA Members. An excerpt of a story from Amy Novak, a past FFA member from the Blue Hill FFA Chapter and individual contributor to the fund, says it all …
“I will never forget when my advisor Duane Lienemann handed out our jackets in my freshman class. We immediately put on our new jackets and strutted around the class, proudly showing that we were from Blue Hill! Even though the corduroy was stiff and hot, it became an honor to wear it and represent our school proudly. Even after my FFA years, my jacket made multiple moves to college dorm rooms, apartments, my first house and other residences. When I heard about the jacket fund, I immediately fell in love with the idea. It made me think about what my jacket meant to me as an FFA member and how it inspired me to remain in agriculture as an adult. I dug it out of my closet and looked inside the lapel at my awards and reflected on all the memories. I could no longer bear to put it back in the closet, so it now hangs in a shadow box in my office. By donating to the fund, I am helping an FFA member receive their very own jacket to create memories and cherish for years to come!”
Amy’s love for her jacket is not uncommon and the momentum for this program extended beyond individual donations to collective donations. One such group, the 2008-09 Nebraska State FFA Officer Team – McKenzie Steger, Jill Petersen, Blake Becker, Lauren Perry, Susie Fiala and Ricky Sparks – also jumped on board and donated a jacket to the program last fall. The team heard about the program from the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s Executive Director Tammy Meyer and were inspired. Petersen said ...
“We remembered what it felt like to zip into our blue corduroy jackets for the first time and were excited about the opportunity to give another FFA member this same special memory. It is a small, yet personal way to give back and help another member realize their potential through FFA. Every member we’ve spoken to who has received their own jacket has expressed enthusiasm and gratitude. Seeing their name on the jacket motivates them to set and achieve goals in FFA."
To date, three Nebraska State FFA Officer teams have collectively contributed to this fund. The 2008-09 officer team asks that all past officer teams reflect upon the impact that FFA had on their lives and consider contributing to the fund. The cost for the 2010 program will be $75 and includes a tie or scarf.
To see a list of all 2009 program contributors, click here.
If interested in participating in this program, please contact Tammy Meyer at the Nebraska FFA Foundation at tammy@neffafoundation.org. All contributions going forward will be used for the third year of the program in the fall of 2010.
Back to Top
Nebraska agriculture has always been a part of James Nygren's life. He grew up on a farm near Mead and actively participated in the Mead FFA Chapter.
A relatively new contributor to the Nebraska FFA Foundation, James gives to the Ted Ward Legacy Fund. He feels the fund matches up nicely with two of his personal objectives: 1) focusing on a cause that is important to him (leadership development in agriculture), and 2) creating a permanent vehicle for financial support (the fund is set up to be used like an endowment).
According to James, “Contributing to this fund allows me to honor and recognize the many folks who graciously volunteered their time and donated their resources to FFA during my formative years.”
James is grateful for his FFA experience as it prepared him for a career “he did not seek or expect.” He relates his journey to key phrases in the FFA Creed (which he fondly remembers memorizing as a Greenhand), saying he intended to “live and work on a good farm,” but instead became “engaged in other agricultural pursuits.”
Those other pursuits led him to a 13-year stint in public service, most recently working for Nebraska Senators Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson. Since 2006, James has worked for Farm Credit Services of America in Omaha. In his role as Director of Legislative Affairs, James is dedicated to serving the agricultural credit and financial needs of farmers and ranchers in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
As for the impact FFA has on young people, James is a firm believer in the ability of FFA to advance student leadership, build character and promote good citizenship. This includes activities focused on promoting meaningful lives and occupations.
“I believe FFA transforms the educational talents and skills of young Nebraskans into viable, creative leadership qualities that impact entire communities and extend beyond their individual career interests,” he said. “The ability of FFA to modernize programs while holding true to its mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career success, ensuring its continued relevance for years to come.”
Back to Top
