The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) Dream Auction raised over $110,000, on February 8, 2014, surpassing 2012 numbers.
In 2012, the auction raised 92,000.
This year, over 350 people were in attendance to support Class of 15. AALP is a leadership program designed for those involved in the agriculture and food sectors in Ontario.
Since the first auction was held, the event has raised more than $625,000. Participants pay tuition which covers about ¼ of the program costs, while the rest of the program is funded through AALP partners and sponsors.
“The generosity and support from the industry shown through sponsorships, donations and attendance was overwhelming, and shows the importance of the AALP program to agriculture in Ontario,” said Stefanie Bech-Hanson, Class of 14 graduate and co-chair of the event.
Established in 1984, the AALP program is in its 30th year. AALP prepared agricultural leaders through a series of seminars, national and international study tours.
The program for Class 15 began Sept. 2013 and runs until April 2015, and is administered by the Rural Ontario Institute.