Woodland Christian School Student Donates Animal to Start Scholarship

Story Provided By David Hargadon, Woodland Christian School

In the midst of the annual FFA Fair Auction, something special took place. A student from Woodland Christian School took it upon herself to honor the life and legacy of Joe Gates, the longtime auctioneer who passed away earlier this year.

Macie Timothy, a sophomore at WCS and member of FFA, wanted to donate one of her animals to a good cause. Timothy worked with her FFA Advisor, Amy Gumm, to come up with a plan to honor Joe Gates. If you have ever been to a local auction, then you know Joe Gates. Gates was spent many years volunteering at events like this one auctioning off animals for students. Gates passed away in January from COVID-19.

In a world where COVID-19 is turning everything upside down, Timothy turned the pandemic on its head, at least temporarily. Timothy said, “There is so much divisiveness and negativity in the world right now. I wanted to do something that would not only honor a great man but help future FFA students. Joe watched me walk my hogs across the auction block and sell them to the community since I was 9 years old. Joe was a great friend to the community and  was always trying to do his best for the kids.” Timothy had no idea how generous people would be.

Timothy announced her plan to donate all the proceeds to build a scholarship in Gates’ name. From there, generosity took over. Bids came in from all over and by the time the animal was “sold”, Timothy raised over $70,000.00 for a new scholarship fund.

Amy Gumm could not believe what she just observed. “I am so proud of Macie and her desire to honor and serve others. This is what our program and school is all about.” Macie will be working with the Yolo Heritage Foundation to establish a committee to start the scholarship program.

Pictured: Macie Timothy with Joe Gates’ Family (photo provided by the Gates family with permission)