North Carolina Farm Bureau’s 2008 Fall Festival, Nov. 7, raised more than $62,000 to benefit the organization’s R. Flake Shaw Scholarship fund.

The country store sold out of home-baked goodies quickly and participation in the auction was brisk and lively.

“The auction has been an annual event since NCFB started the R. Flake Shaw scholarship in 1967,” said Larry Wooten, president of North Carolina Farm Bureau. “At that time, the value was $250 apiece.”

Through the continued generosity and hard work of a lot of people and county Farm Bureaus over the decades, the scholarship is now valued at $3,000 per year to assist students with college-related expenses. There are currently 24 students on the scholarship, which helps them pursue careers in agriculture or in agriculturally related fields.

“I can think of no finer way to impact the future of agriculture than to educate our young men and women,” said Becky Faulkner, chair of North Carolina Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee, which spearheads the festival. “To all of you I say a gracious thank you for your help and your support with items, money and physical energy. This involvement certainly represents the family of Farm Bureau.”