Pennsylvania Ag Connection - Virtual Ag Live Tailgate Brings Together Alumni, Supports Scholarships

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Virtual Ag Live Tailgate Brings Together Alumni, Supports Scholarships
Pennsylvania Ag Connection - 11/23/2020

Organizers of the Ag Live Tailgate, the annual four-day reunion and charity event hosted by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society, did not allow its signature gathering to be sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic.

"It wasn't a matter of if we were going to have it, but how," said Alan Schaffranek, director of alumni relations for the college. "We are fortunate to have many creative and committed alumni, industry partners and college staff who transitioned this Ag Hill tradition to a different format. We promise it will be as much fun as our in-person event."

While Ag Live went live virtually over the past weekend in the interest of public safety, attendees still enjoyed the camaraderie of their fellow alumni and friends during Zoom get-togethers, including the Ag Advocate program reunion.

Attendees also bid on many valuable items during an online auction that will run the course of the event, with proceeds going to student scholarships, internship awards and other alumni programs.

Featured items up for bid included a resort getaway; an original Maggie Harding painting; a Penn State Elms Collection piece; Penn State items; sports memorabilia; gift baskets full of cheese, wine and chocolates; restaurant gift certificates; and many other items.

"The quality and variety of the items donated is amazing," Schaffranek said. "We are grateful for the generosity of businesses and our college leaders, alumni and friends, especially in this challenging year."

Event gold sponsors were Pennsylvania Propane Foundation, Giorgi Mushroom Co. and Giorgio Fresh Co.; silver sponsors were Planted Earth Landscaping Inc., Bell and Evans, Ag Choice Farm Credit, Land O' Lakes and McHale Landscaping.

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