July 27, 2005

Contact: Cristel Tufenkjian, 559-237-5567, ext. 118

Ag Boosters Barbecue features tastes and sounds of Fresno State

With the beautiful San Joaquin River as the backdrop, guests at this year's Ag Boosters Barbecue will enjoy awarding-winning Fresno State wine and sausage as the student jazz band plays. The Ag One Foundation and the California Women For Agriculture (CWA) will host this annual fundraising event at Coombs Riverbend Ranch in Madera on Sunday, September 11, from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.

More than 700 guests are expected to attend and enjoy an evening of tasting Fresno State wine and cheese produced by valley dairy processors, eating dinner under the stars and bidding on exciting auction items. The event features CWA’s County Store, valley cheese and Fresno State sausage tasting, Fresno State ice cream, a raffle and door prizes plus a live and silent auction. In addition, the winner will be drawn for the Ag One “Fantasy Vacation” raffle, featuring a choice of five special destinations including Italy, Ireland, Hawaii, Alaska and Spain.

After 28 years, the Ag Boosters Barbecue has become a fall tradition for supporters and friends of the Ag One Foundation and CWA raising over $475,000 with event proceeds benefiting students and programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State and CWA’s educational efforts. Since 1979, Ag One has provided some 2,300 students with over $1.5 million in scholarships and grants, and another $4.5 million is endowed with the Fresno State Foundation. In the 2005-06 academic year, $200,000 will be awarded.

Additionally, CWA uses the funds raised by the BBQ to help tell the story of California agriculture through education, legislative programs and by giving nearly $100,000 in scholarships annually.

Tickets cost $50 per person with a table of 10 available for $450. Tickets can be purchased from the Ag One Foundation office at (559) 278-4266.