The Indian River County Cattlemen’s Association held its annual Christmas Celebration and Charity Auction at Waldo’s Secret Garden last week, raising approximately $13,000 for its scholarship endowment at Indian River State College.

As twinkling lights danced overhead in the chilly breeze, members enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before boisterously outbidding each other on auction items, raising the highest amount to date through their Christmas gatherings. Families relished the chance to socialize and reconnect with their ranching neighbors and, as the auction heated up, the mouthwatering aroma of steaks on the grill filled the night air.

Rob Tripson, current president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Indian River division, had little time to party as he helped auctioneer Wesley Davis incite the crowd to outbid each other, especially for Chris Sexton’s personally designed necklaces, which brought in a stunning $1,000 apiece.

“This is our fifth year giving scholarships to those who want to study courses with an agricultural and forestry connection at IRSC,” said Tripson. “Right now, we are trying to grow an endowment so we can give $2,000 scholarships every year. Once the endowment is there, the scholarships will be funded forever. All the auction items are donated and our members coming out is what makes our event a success. It gives me goosebumps; it really does.”

“When you get a group of farmers and ranchers together it is always so magical,” said his mother, Hildie Tripson. “We estimate that there are almost 200 people here, all just being together and raising money for the children’s scholarships.”

Division officers from the state-wide association were also invited, including its president, Ken Griner.

“We always try to participate in all of the officers’ events and we were fortunate to be invited to come down here,” said Griner. “Any organization is only as strong as its members and we know we can depend on our Indian River members to always participate and show up.”

Griner explained that FCA’s main focus is conservation of the land, preserving water and maintaining the ecological balance of Florida resources. He was encouraged by the propensity of offspring who remain on their family homesteads as farmers and cattle ranchers, continuing the legacy of keeping Florida green.

“I hope my son Will does whatever he wants to do, but I wouldn’t mind if he wanted to be a rancher,” said Tripson of his 12-year-old son. “He’s beginning to be one and I am getting to the point where I am depending on him.”

As for his daughter, 6-year-old Isabella, Tripson laughed heartily and said, “She’s going to be an even better cowboy than either me or Will. She’s gritty! She wants to go with me every time we go.”