Marietta Dairy Queen gives to FFA
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The generosity of Dairy Queen customers is helping the Marietta FFA this school year.
Maddie Dunn, store leader, said they decided to implement a project which was done previously at the owner's Logan Dairy Queen.
"His kids did FFA in high school and it was something they've been passionate about," she said.
From May 1 through July 31, in-store and drive-thru customers were asked to round up to the next dollar.
A check was recently given to the Marietta FFA for the proceeds from the project … $7,442.
"This was the first year we've done this at our store and it's been incredibly successful," Dunn said. "More than we anticipated. We'll definitely do it again next year."
She said almost every customer that came in was asked to participate, and between 90 and 95 percent of their customers did.
"When I talked to Mr. (Brian) Welch, (Marietta FFA advisor), he seemed almost speechless for a second," Dunn said. "We were all surprised at how much we raised."
She said FFA was important to a lot of people and although she didn't have FFA at her high school, she appreciates the work the students put into the program.
"I had heard of it and thought it was about farming," she said. "It's so much more than that. All of the kids who've been in FFA … there's something about them. They work harder and try harder."
Dunn said she looks forward to doing more fundraisers like this one.
"We also plan on making an appearance at the (Washington County Fair) livestock show on (Sept.) 7," she added. "A couple of us plan to come down and buy an animal."
Welch said the FFA students were definitely shocked at the amount raised, as they weren't told the amount before they got to the DQ to receive the check.
"I think the kids were very excited," he said.
A lot of fundraisers are held through FFA alumni, and "they generate a respectable income."
Welch said the students were extremely thankful to receive the check from Dairy Queen.
"I appreciate Dairy Queen making the effort to offer it to us," he said. "We appreciate that the community was willing to support us."
As to how the money is used, that will depend on the club as a whole.
"In the past, the alumni has sponsored a lot of things," Welch said. "There have been trips to state and national conventions, T-shirts and FFA apparel. The students will most likely choose to do the same types of activities."
He explained the cost per student to go to the state convention is $175. It is around $500 per student to go to the national convention.
There are 60 new FFA members in the chapter this year and Welch said it will be an asset to have money to help those new students.