ALP Golf Tournament Blows Past Fundraising Goal

A fun day for a good cause. That was the key takeaway from the fourth annual golf tournament hosted by The Almond Board of California’s Leadership Program Class of 2022. 

The event brought together 144 players and others associated with the almond industry on May 26 at Dragonfly Golf Course in Madera. It was a warm, sunny day – perfect for playing golf and, more importantly, raising money for the next generation of ag leaders in the state. 

Thanks to industry support of this year’s tournament, more than $23,000 were raised and donated to the California FFA (Future Farmers of America) Foundation. That money, in turn, will be awarded in the form of scholarships to FFA members. 

“Everyone who played has a direct relationship or is involved with the ag industry and we appreciate everyone’s contributions,” said Rodney Ratzlaff, the tournament co-chair and one of 17 members of this year’s Almond Leadership Program. 

The first-place team among the 36 foursomes shot an impressive score of 55 under in the scramble format, but the real winners were the young men and women who aspire to succeed in various ways in the California agriculture industry. 

“This event is important because the students who benefit from the scholarships are important,” said Rebecca Bailey, specialist in industry relations for the Almond Board. “These current ag students are the future leaders of the California ag industry and within their local communities. College is expensive, so being able to support students as they pursue higher education will help to ease financial and stress-related burdens.” 

Madera FFA student Gladys Torres, who worked at the tournament, was asked about what it meant to her. “Opportunity,” she said. 

“The Almond Board hosting these events for FFA creates many opportunities not just for members, but also future and past members,” Torres said. “It also helps the members receive new experiences. With these new experiences, it shows them things they’ve never seen before and creates new connections with people and advisors they haven’t met, including with the Almond Board.” 

Thanks to all the players and the 21 sponsors, this year’s golf tournament easily exceeded the $15,000 fund-raising goal set by the members of the Almond Leadership Program. The event is one of the high points on the calendar each year for the leadership class, which seeks to engage members of the almond community in creating a culture of lifelong leadership development, networking, education and service.  

“The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and connections to serve in leadership roles within the industry, whether that be within ABC or local organizations, like their county farm bureau or water board,” Bailey explained. 

Applications for the 2023 Leadership Program will begin to be accepted in October. Participants sign up for one year. For more information, click on this link or email Rebecca Bailey at rbailey@almondboard.com.