14th Annual Otero College Ag Gala Set for March 14, 2026: Night at the Races to Support Agriculture Students

Description: The 14th annual Ag Gala at Otero College features A Night at the Races theme, complete with simulated horse racing competitions, derby hats, good food and auctions. Pictured on left is Linsay Sumpter, Otero Agribusiness Management instructor and students who participated in last year’s event. Read the Full Press Release from Otero College...


Published: 3 hours ago
Byline: SECO News

14th Annual Otero College Gala set for March 14
Night at the Races is major fundraising event for Otero Ag Program
 
LA JUNTA - The Otero College Agriculture program will host its annual fundraising campaign for student support with A Night at the Races Ag Gala on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the Rizzuto Banquet Room, located on the Otero College campus.
 
In its 14th year, the event promises an exciting evening filled with many opportunities to support students who attend Otero College, pursuing degrees and careers in agriculture.
Doors for the Ag Gala will open at 6:30 pm, with a delicious array of finger foods and cheesecake desserts. The starting gates for A Night at the Races will be open at 8 pm and run until 10 pm.
 
The night will be packed with exciting horse races, betting, good food, music for dancing, a cash bar, door prizes, and auctions full of unique items. Ladies are encouraged to come in their finest derby hats, with special prizes for participants.
 
Dr. Kari White, Otero Ag Instructor shared the goal of the event, “Supporting our students through the Ag Gala is an investment in the future of agriculture. By coming together as a community, we can provide our young leaders with the resources they need to cultivate their skills, foster innovation, and advance sustainable practices in farming and ranching. Your contribution will make a lasting impact on their education and passion for agriculture.”
 
The 2026 Ag Gala offers five different levels of sponsorship.
 
  • Platinum: For a donation of $1,000 the donor will receive tickets for a table of eight guests, 24 free door prize tickets, eight free beer boots for guests, one bottle of red wine, one bottle of champagne, and a plaque to display.
  • Gold: For a donation of $500 the donor will receive tickets for a table of eight guests, 16 door prize tickets, one bottle of champagne, and a certificate of sponsorship.
  • Silver: For a donation of $350, the donor will receive tickets for a table of eight guests and one bottle of champagne.
  • Turquoise: For a donation of $150, the donor will receive tickets for four guests.
  • Specialty Sponsorships: For a donation in the specific amount, the donor will receive recognition of that evening’s event. This is ideal for donors who want to donate but cannot attend. Examples of a specific sponsorship may include Gourmet Chocolates $500, Beer Boot supplies $800, or music $300.
Tickets can also be purchased individually for $35 each, or $60 per couple.   Click here to purchased tickets or become a sponsor for this year’s event: AG GALA TICKETS
For those unable to attend, but who would like to make a direct donation to the program, click here to donate online: SUPPORT OTERO
Plan to attend this fun evening and support of the Otero Agriculture’s scholarship program. Donor support helps to “Train the Next Generation to Feed the Nation.”
For more information, or to sponsor the Ag Gala, contact Otero College Ag instructor Dr. Kari White at (719) 384-6964 or kari.white@otero.edu or Almabeth Kaess, Otero College Foundation Director, (719) 384-6807or almabeth.kaess@otero.edu

 



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