UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — 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, are not allowing 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, slated for Nov. 18-21, is going virtual in the interest of public safety, attendees still can enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow alumni and friends during Zoom get-togethers, including the Ag Advocate program reunion.
Attendees also can 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 include 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.”
Ag Live 2020 will culminate Nov. 21 with a tailgate and trivia contest before the kickoff of the Penn State vs. Iowa game. Auction winners also will be announced at this time.
Event gold sponsors are Pennsylvania Propane Foundation, Giorgi Mushroom Co. and Giorgio Fresh Co.; silver sponsors are Planted Earth Landscaping Inc., Bell and Evans, Ag Choice Farm Credit, Land O’ Lakes and McHale Landscaping.
To register for Ag Live, visit https://agsci.psu.edu/alumni/ag-live-tailgate. Registrants will receive a discount code for 10% off online orders, excluding gift cards and shipping, at the Penn State Berkey Creamery.
Additionally, a “text to give” campaign associated with Ag Live will benefit student programs. To participate, text “AGLIVE” to 41444.