In support of efforts to rebuild educational facilities damaged in the April fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, the Lone Star Cattlemen Foundation presented the West, Texas, FFA with a $5,000 charitable donation.

The donation was made to the New Day Crisis Fund for West FAA, which was established by the Texas FFA Foundation. Students in West recently returned to school with classes held in portable buildings. Without the assistance of the New Day Crisis Fund, the West Agricultural Science Department would not have a classroom for hands-on instruction until late fall 2015. With this donation, Lone Star Cattlemen wants to encourage other Texans to help raise the money needed to make rebuilding these important educational facilities possible.

“Through the challenges we have faced, so many silver linings have surfaced: like the wonderful partnership with the Texas FFA Association and the Lone Star Cattlemen Foundation,” said Dr. Jan Hungate, Chief Administrative Officer, West ISD. “We can’t thank them enough for enhancing opportunities for the young men and women of the West High School FFA.”

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The initiative has had a positive response from groups like the Lone Star Cattlemen Foundation, other charities and individual supporters like Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.

“While the tragedy at West will never be forgotten, the will to rebuild is going to also leave a lasting impression about the character of Texans,” Commissioner Staples said. “Providing for career and technical educational opportunities for West students means bright days are ahead.”

Additional funding is needed before the dream of a new facility is realized and additional funding is a must. Through the assistance of generous donors and an ambitious construction schedule, a facility could be completed as soon as November 2013.

“The leadership and members of the Lone Star Cattlemen Foundation are proud to be a small part of restoring what was lost in the West disaster and we encourage others to do the same,” said Trey Powers, Past President, Lone Star Cattlemen Foundation. “Assistance to this worthy cause is a perfect reflection of our mission to help young people realize their future dreams through persistence and hard work.”

To donate via credit card to the New Day Crisis Fund for West FFA, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=texasffa&id=9.

Texas FFA also will accept check donations. Please mail checks to:

Texas FFA Foundation

New Day Crisis Fund for West FFA

614 East 12th Street

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