A California FFA member is the proud owner of his very own blue jacket, thanks to the group’s Give the Gift of Blue Program. This news release from FFA says Casey Custer, a junior, who attends Waterford High School in Waterford, California, was the proud recipient of the 1,000 FFA jacket through the program.
FFA has more than 610,000 members nationwide; however, not all members own the esteemed blue jacket. In fact, more than 50 percent of FFA members don’t have an FFA jacket. This jacket is traditionally worn at official functions at the local level and for state and national conventions, competitions and special events. Many borrow jackets from the chapter or from past FFA members. The moment they zip up their own jacket is priceless.
“The blue jacket means a lot to me,” Custer said, “as it represents the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge, especially as I play a role in our Waterford’s FFA Ag Mechanics team.”
On Jan. 1, 2014, the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation began the Give the Gift of Blue program. Funded by individual donors and sponsors, the program provides members with blue jackets, which is part of FFA Official Dress. Members apply for a jacket by visiting FFA.org/GIVEBLUE to share their story of what the jacket means to them. Along with an essay, members also share information on what they have been doing in FFA, their communities and in their schools.
“For so many, the blue corduroy gives a sense of belonging,” said Joshua Bledsoe, the chief operating officer for the National FFA Organization. “Thanks to this program, we are able to bring this sense of pride and belonging to more of our members, who are part of our FFA family.”
Funding for the program comes from corporate sponsors CSX Transportation, Valent U.S.A. Corporation and their parent company Sumitomo, Ram Trucks, Tractor Supply Company, as well as donations from individuals. In addition, an endowment created by Donald and Mira Ball continues to fund the program as well.