Grandfather Wins Tundra at World Ag Expo Promises to Take Grandson Fishing
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Tony Adayan Sr. from Parlier, Calif. shakes hands with 2010 World Ag Expo Chairman Bernie Cargle while International Agri-Center CEO, Jerry Sinift, looks on. |
Little did Tony Adayan Sr. from Parlier, Calif. know when he donated $10 to the Parlier FFA in December as part of the Toyota FFA Giveaway that his winning ticket would be drawn at World Ag Expo. The $30,000 grand prize truck, a new 2010 5.7L V8 Toyota 4x2 Tundra Grade Crew Max, donated by Toyota benefited local Central and San Joaquin FFA chapters.
“I purchased my grandsons last two tickets,” Adayen said. “I promised him that if I won I would take him fishing every weekend this fall; looks like we are going fishing.”
Adayan’s donation, just two in nearly 7,000 tickets rotated in the giveaway drum located in the Toyota Space located in the Northeast end of the grounds as an excited crowd of approximately 200 attendees gathered for the winning ticket to be pulled on the final day of the expo.
"We're pleased to support the ongoing activities and programs of the Central and San Joaquin Regions of FFA,” said Marty Mayfohrt, Toyota Dealer Association Central Valley Board Representative.“These young people are the cornerstone of California's agricultural future. We hope the funds generated from the donation of this Tundra will help support their programs throughout the year."
Thirty-five FFA Chapters collected donations starting in December through the expo. Hanford High School collected the most donations totaling over $3,400 for their chapter.
“Our students look forward to attending World Ag Expo to learn more about new agricultural technology and to meet leaders in their chosen field of study,” said Hanford FFA Advisor, Sam Rodriguez. “We find that the giveaway is a great incentive for our students to collect donations so our chapter can attend the expo and other great agricultural functions throughout the year.”
More than $34,000 was collected by Chapters in the Central Valley over two months prior to the expo. During the expo, FFA members collected donations at 10 admission gates for three days.
“Through the help and support of Toyota, we are able to provide this great opportunity for our future agriculture leaders to show their dedication and fundraising abilities for the Toyota Giveaway,” said Kerissa Chapman, special projects manager. “It’s inspiring to work with so many great students.”
