News Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Hosts “Boot Scootin” Fundraiser

By Co-Reporter, Raine Wheeler

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted a community fundraiser at Kacena Farms, located outside of Vinton. The event invited the entire community to come together in support of the Castle family, who recently lost their home and belongings in a tragic house fire. The fundraiser featured a Boot Scootin’ line dancing theme and included a raffle with a wide variety of donated items from local businesses, organizations, and community members. After dancing, attendees could stop by the featured Taco Buffet at the event to enjoy a meal and take a break. Raffle items included a BJ’s Automobile & Diesel Repair gift bucket; an Iowa FFA Third Edition model tractor donated by Greg Walston; a quilt donated by Betty Power; two $25 gift certificates donated by H^2 Pizza; a Fareway meat bundle donated by Fareway; a Cinco de Mayo basket donated by the Ag Leadership Class; an adult beverage package donated by 42 North Winery; a 120-minute photoshoot donated by Shaylinn Tucker; two $20 bowling certificates donated by Berry’s Lanes; one dozen cookies from Sweet Request Line donated by Melanie Davis; a six-month gym membership to the Iron Shed in Vinton donated by Kurt’s Enterprises; and a Milwaukee drill combo kit donated by Theisens. All proceeds from the event went toward supporting the Castle family. The total amount raised from the fundraiser was $2,550.

FFA members were the leaders working behind the scenes to organize the event. The newly developed agricultural leadership class brought each of their ideas together to support their friend and classmate through a time of need. Throughout the evening, members took admission fees, assisted attendees, and brought up morale. Jameson Demuth was one of the members who helped coordinate the event. He said, “It was cool seeing everyone come out for Bridgette and we had a lot of fun brainstorming ideas for the events. Boot Scootin’ was definitely the one that the class liked the most and there was a great turnout. It was just our way of trying to help her and her family after the fire.â€�   He also shared how it was “a great way of showing everyone the other activities that our FFA chapter can do.â€� We want to extend a few thank yous to all of the guests who came to support this cause and the supporters who helped us limit the expenses for this event including Shut Up and Dance with Jamie for line dancing lessons, DJ Tim Swestka, and Kacena Farms. The night wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance of our great community!