FFA fundraiser draws strong crowd, community support in Deaver

New Rocky Mountain FFA Parent and Support Group pleased with the help of so many community members

The Rocky Mountain FFA Parent and Community Support Group hosted another successful annual fundraiser Friday night at the Deaver Community Center, with a strong turnout, great food and overwhelming community support.

The evening brought together families, local businesses and community members, all with a shared goal of supporting local FFA students and agricultural education programs.

“The people who had the greatest impact on the event were the parents in the support group, the FFA advisor and the members of the community who support local youth,” said Rachel Bitton, parent group secretary. “The support group has some great parents that are willing to volunteer their time each month to attend meetings to prepare for the event, as well as selling tickets, collecting donations and working the event.

“A big thank you to everyone who came out to support our FFA kids Friday,” she added. “Also, a huge thank you to all the local businesses, big and small, for donating items. Without your support, our event could not happen.”

The parent and community support group, formed in 2024, has quickly become a key part of the Rocky Mountain FFA program’s success.

“We are a group of community members, families and supporters who believe deeply in the value of agricultural education and the opportunities it creates for our students,” said Brook Loyning, parent group president. “For us, this is about more than fundraising. It’s about helping students grow through leadership, service, competition and hands-on learning.”

Loyning emphasized that the group works closely with students and advisor Braden West to provide support wherever it is needed, whether through scholarships, travel expenses or classroom opportunities.

“At our core, we exist to support the advisor and FFA members in any way we can,” Loyning said. “When students or the advisor request financial support, they share their goals with us, giving us the chance to learn from and invest in their journey.”

When talking about new RMHS FFA Advisor Braden West, Loyning mentioned all the aspects that an advisor is asked to do. 

“They are far more than a teacher. They are a coach, mentor and leader,” Loyning said. “They spend countless hours after school, in the evenings and on weekends helping students prepare for competitions and traveling alongside them. Their dedication makes a lasting impact on these kids, and we are proud to stand behind them.”

Looking ahead, the group hopes to continue building support to expand opportunities for students at Rocky Mountain Middle and High School and ensure every student who wants to participate in FFA has the chance.

A special thank you was extended to Bob Acton, Braden Acton, Matt Leonhardt, Wyoming 310, Tami Brasher, DeAnna Calvin, Danielle Malson, Bill Camp and the Town of Deaver for their support in making the event possible.