Yesterday I wrote about Global Traveler‘s upcoming online charity auction, and then last night my husband and I attended a charity auction closer to home, smaller in scope but no less important to those it benefits. For the fourth year in a row, we attended the Rogue River High School‘s FFA beef feed and auction. After perusing the silent auction items and jotting down our bids on a few, we sat down to a delicious meal of succulent marinated tri-tip roast, corn, salad and herb-roasted potatoes before the live auction kicked in. In rural communities especially, the Future Farmers of America chapters in high schools provide great leadership training (everything from Robert’s Rules of Order to debate to interviewing skills) as well as hands-on learning for animal husbandry, agriculture and even turf management for golf courses. The money raised last night would provide funds for students to attend competitions and conventions. Last year enough money was raised at the auction to send five students to the national convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, and each had to contribute only $50 out of pocket. That’s a big deal in a community that has been hit really hard by the recession. We always look forward to these events as they’re a positive place for the community to gather, and we often find some travel or vacation items on which to bid. Last year we came away with a two-night stay at the remote Paradise Lodge, a wilderness resort on the wild and scenic portion of the Rogue River. Unfortunately, there were no such enticing offerings this year, but we did come away having enjoyed the evening, and the Rogue River FFA raised over $6,000 for its programs. — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor