The Farm to Table volunteers.
Three FFA Chapters in West Tennessee come together each year to host a special event known as “Farm to Table.” The participating chapters include Dyersburg FFA, Dyer County FFA and Gibson County FFA. These chapters collaborate to organize and run this event as a community service and fundraising effort.
The primary goal of Farm to Table is to raise funds for the Healing Horses Organization, a remarkable group that provides vital equine therapy to individuals with various special needs. This therapy plays a significant role in improving the quality of life for those who benefit from it.
FFA Members’ Involvement
A dedicated group of approximately 50 FFA members contributes to the success of this event. Their roles are diverse and vital; some serve food and drinks to attendees, others help with event setup and teardown, and some assist with cleaning up afterward. These students are driven by a strong desire to serve their community and make a positive impact. Their involvement in this event exemplifies the core values of FFA — leadership, service and community engagement.
Healing Horses
Healing Horses, the beneficiary of this event, is an organization committed to enriching the lives of individuals with special needs using equine therapy. Their mission is to “enhance the lives of individuals with special needs through equine therapy,” and they accomplish this by providing therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and other equine-assisted activities. The organization believes that interaction with horses can promote physical, emotional and social development — helping individuals reach their fullest potential.
Overall, the collaborative efforts of these FFA chapters and their members not only support the important work of Healing Horses but also foster a spirit of service and community among young leaders in West Tennessee.
Farm to Table attendees.
Positive Acts of Service
“As someone who has volunteered at Farm to Table for the past four years, I have seen amazing benefits from this event,” says Dyersburg FFA President Ann Thomas Lowery. “What I love most about it is the interactions FFA members get to have with people of their community. Through positive acts of service, such as waiting on tables or serving food and drinks, FFA members get the opportunity to provide hospitality and truly connect with each guest that attends.
“A very special aspect of this event is the collaboration that occurs between FFA chapters. It is very important that FFA members not only know how to work well with members from their own chapters, but members from other chapters. It provides an opportunity for FFA members to expand their comfort zones by interacting with students they don’t normally see daily.”
Hosted by these three chapters, Farm to Table truly promotes the FFA motto of “Living to Serve.”
