The Virginia chapter of the American Gourd Society continues a tradition of public generosity by crafting gourds for a Silent Auction to benefit a Virginia youth agricultural program such as a FFA, Ag, or 4-H program thereby encouraging gourd education among the next generation of gourd lovers.

How is the group determined?  The person donating the item getting the highest bid chooses the youth agricultural program to benefit the following year. All gourd enthusiasts are invited to join in the fun whether they are members of the VLGS or not.  The VLGS Silent Auction runs throughout the Festival – the highest bid per item is announced at Festival close, Sunday, 5:30pm

The high-bid item of the 2007 Silent Auction was Ruby Hasky's gourd, and the recipient of the funds in 2008 will be the Prince George 4-H.   Programs that have benefited in past years have been Sherando High School FFA, Aylor Middle School FFA, Orange County High School FFA, the art department at the Mountain Laurel Montessori School in Front Royal VA, and the Loudoun County High School FFA.
 

HIGH BID ITEM of 2007 FESTIVAL -- donated by Shirley Yancey, created by Ruby Hasky. Ruby Hasky is a self-taught artist. For this bushel gourd, Ruby combines many techniques (chipping, sculpture, woodburning, and scratching) with acrylics and stains. Diameter: 10"; Height: 9 1/2".