If you spent any time in the southern United States you might have heard the phrase “putting on the dog.” Here in the South we have several unique phrases or colloquialisms ranging from “bless your heart” to “heavens to Betsy.” According to Southern Living magazine the phrase “putting on the dog” means to put on a flashy display or a show or gussy it up.
If someone is throwing a party and pulls out all the stops, including using the good China dishes and silver, you could say they’re “putting on the dog.” The phrase could also be considered a compliment or recognition for an effort beyond the ordinary.
Now that we have set the stage, let’s talk about the Blue and Gold Gala held once a year in Kentucky. Netting $100,000+? How would you like to make that much for your FFA organization in one night? Talk about “putting on the dog,” the folks in Kentucky are masters of the art.
In this Footnote we will learn about the Kentucky Blue and Gold Gala. Much of the information that follows is from Sheldon McKinney, the Kentucky FFA Foundation Executive Director. Take it away Sheldon.
The Blue and Gold Gala
The Inaugural Blue & Gold Gala was held in 2017 at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. The initial goal of the Gala was to raise support and more unrestricted dollars for the Kentucky FFA Foundation. We hoped that it would attract new donors, engage current donors and be a great entry point for people to connect with Kentucky FFA.
In 2017, we hosted around 200 guests and raised a net total of about $90,000. To date, we have held eight Galas around Kentucky and have raised a net of over $1,000,000.
Figure 1. The 2022 Gala was held at Dant Crossing, Bardstown, KY.
In addition to table sponsorships or ticket sales, folks can support Kentucky FFA through a silent auction, live auction and fundraising games.
Figure 2. Previewing the silent auction in 2023
Figure 3. At the 2023 Gala this shotgun was in the live auction. The shotgun was given in memory of JR & Julie Shinkle’s late son, Craig Shinkle. It sold for $8,000 and was bought by Darrell Billings.
Figure 4. Gala audience members participating in a Rock, Scissors, Paper fundraising activity. Guests purchase a chance to play “Rock, Paper, Scissors” against a celebrity, historically the Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture. They have the opportunity to win a trip that’s been donated.
In 2020, Wright Implement gave Kentucky FFA a John Deere Gator to raffle as part of the event. To date, we have sold out of tickets every year and it continues to grow.
Figure 5. A John Deere Gator to be raffled off.
The Blue & Gold Gala has been held at the following locations:
✓ 2017 – Keeneland
✓ 2018 – Kroger Field, Lexington, KY
✓ 2019 – Kroger Field, Lexington, KY
✓ 2020 – Virtual Gala
✓ 2021 – Bowling Green, KY at The Venue, a restored tobacco warehouse.
✓ 2022 – Dant Crossing, Bardstown, KY
✓ 2023 – Dant Crossing, Bardstown, KY
The Gala is a great way to support agricultural education and the FFA. You can never tell who will show up at the Gala. There are FFA members, agriculture teachers, agribusiness leaders, politicians, and the list goes on.
Figure 6. Miss Kentucky has been in attendance at several Galas. This is from 2023.
Figure 7. Retired University of Kentucky agricultural education professor Dr. Charlie Byers was at the 2019 Gala. As usual, he is in teacher mode.
Figure 8. Even Dr. Jay Jackman, the NAAE Executive Secretary (now retired) and Sharon have been seen at the Galas.
The Payoff
What is the money used for that is raised at the Blue and Gold Gala? One purpose is to support Agriculture Innovation grants. In 2019 a $10,000 grant was awarded to LaRue County High School in Hodgenville. The grant was to create a processing facility where produce and fish harvested from the agriculture program’s aquaponics system can be prepared for the end consumer. See Figure 9. Many similar projects all across Kentucky have been funded plus many more activities. The agricultural education students in Kentucky are the beneficiaries of the Gala.
Figure 9. The LaRue County Herald-News, April 24, 2019. CTR+ to enlarge
The Foundation can award two $10,000 Agriculture Innovation grants annually because of the Gala. In addition, we send 15 students on full scholarship to the Washington Leadership Conference, provide over $10,000 in FFA Camp scholarships and so much more. It supports our staff, mission and vision so we can keep serving Kentucky FFA members at the highest level.
We are very proud that the Gala in 2022 raised funds for FFA chapters in Eastern Kentucky devastated by historical flooding. Donor support provided funds for their chapter to attend FFA camp, State & National FFA Convention at no cost to members. See the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fma0PJxc0J4.
Curators Comments
The Kentucky Blue and Gold Gala is a model other states may want to emulate. A scaled down version of this could even be used at the chapter level. Think about it. Agricultural educators tend to be modest but there are times when we need to put on the dog!
The next Kentucky Blue and Gold Gala will be held at the Seelbach Hotel, Louisville, KY – Sep 21, 2024. Tickets are still available if you want to check it out. Go to https://kyffa.org/foundation-gala for more information.
