On February 23, 2012 the smell of roast pork could be found throughout the halls at Garden Spot High School. For many years, the Grassland FFA chapter has held a faculty luncheon during National FFA week. Two years ago the chapter decided to switch things up a little and roast a whole hog donated by an FFA alumnus.  The proceeds from this benefit dinner would then go to a country/organization in need. In 2010 and 2011 the chapter sent the money to Haiti  to help with rebuilding efforts after the devastating earthquakes. For the 2012 benefit lunch, there was a much closer need. Local resident, Chad Esh, was shot, ironically  in Haiti, while on a missions trip trying to help build a home for an orphan. Chad works with some past and current members of our FFA chapter, who brought up the idea of helping out Chad and his family with medical and travel expenses resulting from this tragedy. Thanks to the support of the ELANCO School District and local businesses the chapter will be making a donation of at least $2,500.00 (donations are still coming in) to the Esh family.

All of the students in the chapter get very involved with this effort , from roasting the hog to serving the meals. The chapter began organizing for this benefit dinner in early January and involved as many members as possible. Members are responsible for going out into the community and asking local/family businesses if they would like to donate to the cause. They also must keep track of inventory by determining if there is enough food and supplies for all the meals to be put together. The chapter would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their support and donations: JoBoy’s Brew Pub (baked beans , Spring Glen Fresh Foods(coleslaw), Kurt Good of Good’s Livestock (2 hogs) , Louis Martin of Martin’s Custom Butchering( preparation for roasting) , Scott Bailey (Wenger’s Feed Mill), Glenn Weber(King’s Chips), Mr. and Mrs. Tony Bender, and F.M. Brown and Sons. Jeff Martin Tree Service (Chad’s employer). Many FFA members and FFA mom’s made assorted goodies for the dessert table, special thanks to Mrs. Linda Martin who went above and beyond in that department.

Co-chairs for the event were: Seth Yoder, takeout and Connor Bender and Katelyn Byram, sit down meal. Over 500 meals were served between the sit down meals served in the agricultural education department and take out. Over 300 take out meals were delivered to the district elementary staff and  local businesses. Thanks to everyone in the school and community that helped support Chad and his family  through this meal.