Serena farmer directs $2,500 donation to FFA program

Serena area farmer Chris Vaughan recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by Bayer Fund, to the Serena High School FFA Chapter.

The Serena FFA will use the donation to help purchase new FFA jackets for Greenhand members and scholarships for graduating seniors.

"I would like to thank Chris Vaughan for being a long supporter of the Serena FFA chapter,” said Kara Freebairn, FFA president. “Generous donations such as this are greatly appreciated and ensure the chapter is able provide members with unlimited opportunities to succeed."

Since 2010, the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $57 million to nonprofits, aspiring agriculture students and public schools across rural America. Farmers know the needs of their communities best, according to a news release from Bayer Fund, so the America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes.

The Grow Communities program partners with farmers across the country to provide nonprofit organizations with resources to strengthen their local communities. Each August, farmers can enter for the chance to direct a $2,500 Grow Communities donation to a local eligible nonprofit of their choice.

Farmers have directed donations to food banks, emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs and many others that reflect the spirit and support the vibrancy of rural America.

“Farmers truly understand the needs of their communities and where the opportunities to strengthen them exist. We partner with them to identify the nonprofit organizations that benefit from Grow Communities donations,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president. “Each donation shines a light on the organizations that are making a positive difference in rural communities across the country. Bayer Fund is proud to partner with farmers to give back in rural America.”

For information about becoming an America’s Farmers Grow Communities recipient, visit AmericasFarmers.com.