INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Friends, supporters and network members will gather March 24 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis for the 15th annual ALP Benefit Auction.

ALP, or the Agricultural Leadership Program, is a component of AgrIInstitute, the state’s premier leadership development program for agribusiness professionals and farmers. Founded in 1984, the organization now boasts more than 350 “graduates.”

As a not-for-profit organization, AgrIInstitute annually relies on several fundraising initiatives to continue operations and especially to cover the costs related to running the Ag Leadership Program. The ALP Benefit Auction is an important funding source for the year.

While participants do pay tuition, AgrIInstitute covers more than two-thirds of the $15,000 per-person cost of the 2.5-year program that culminates with a 10-day international trip. Up to 30 members are selected by extensive interview process for each class. Donors – of time, professional skills and financial gifts – are the lifeblood of a strong organization.

“I’ve supported ALP since I was in the program in 1986,” said Gary Chapman, with Bose McKinney and Evans, LLP, in Indianapolis. He was a member of Class 2; Class 15 will start the program this July.

Chapman has continued to support the program with his time and dollars, and sees value in doing so. “Over (the past 25) years I have served on the Curriculum Committee, AgrIInstitute board of directors, purchased a table every year at the auction and donated an auction item each year,” he explained.

The ALP Benefit Auction features dinner and live and silent auctions; the live event is auctioneered each year by a class member. Tom Dull, a member of both the current AgrIInstitute board and Class 2, will lead diners through unique lots donated by more than 40 supporters. Chapman has also donated his expertise, including legal and corporate services.

Executive Director Beth Archer watches class members become loyal donors to the program and annually continue their support. “Each year the auction is a great time to celebrate the value of the ALP, raise important financial resources to support the program and recognize our valued stakeholders,” she said of her aims for the March 24 fundraiser.

Peggy Naile, a Class 12 member from Whiteland, has been helping in various ways since 2005 when she attended her first ALP Benefit Auction, including serving on a committee that helped launch an AgrIInstitute endowment fund in her county’s community foundation. She also recommends colleagues participate in the program and writes reference letters. She donates annually with cash contributions and gifts to the auction.

Class members, many of whom “pay it forward” as donors, always take something unique away from their experience, something that encourages them to keep giving. Chapman believes the networking offered by ALP is unmatched. “Getting various parties with shared interest, but who may not otherwise get together, in the same room to share ideas, (is) for the betterment of the ag industry,” he said.

“Agriculture is a vibrant and multifaceted industry, but it faces huge challenges that require strong, informed and thoughtful leadership. ALP serves a critical role in addressing this ongoing need,” Naile explained.

For more on the AgrIInstitute, visit www. agriinstitute.org or call Archer at 317-745-0947 or email beth@agriinstitute.org