Potato banquet honors farmer
Torena OÕRorke and Cathy Kelly accept an award on behalf of their father, Otto Geisert, during the Wednesday night Washington State Potato Foundation dinner. Photo by Candice Boutilier/Columbia Basin Herald
Daughters accept the award
MOSES LAKE - The Washington State Potato Foundation held a dinner at Big Bend Community College to give the annual Industry Leadership Award and raise scholarship funds Wednesday night.
The fifth annual award went to Otto Geisert for his more than 40 years of work with the potato industry, Foundation Executive Director Kellee Balcom said. She said he is described as an efficient farmer, inspirational father, friend and a role model.
The foundation is giving a $1,500 scholarship in Geisert's name.
Geisert was unable to attend the meeting so the award was accepted by two of his daughters, Torena O'Rorke and Cathy Kelly.
O'Rorke reiterated a quote that best describes her father's spirit.
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up first."
She said the statement was originally made by Booker T. Washington.
O'Rorke said the quote is applicable because her father makes people feel good. She said he always remembered people's names even if it was someone he only met once in passing.
Balcom said Geisert leads a life of optimism.
During his 40 years in the potato industry, he held many titles and also helped to create a revolutionary shipping method to ship potatoes more efficiently.
"He's truly incredible," son-in-law Kevin O'Rorke said.
Geisert is committed to his family, work and golf, he laughed.
The event was also held to raise $25,000 in scholarship funds for agricultural students, foundation future President Bart Geberf said. The foundation gave approximately $40,000 in scholarships for students who showed excellence in agriculture. The foundation provided grower education, first aid and workshops to more than 50 people.
The evening concluded with a performance from comedian Jeff Havens who provided a "self-help" presentation to help others "decrapify" their lives.
"It's guaranteed to motivate the crap out of you," Geberf laughed.
Havens kept the audience laughing for nearly an hour with jokes about relationships, kids' names and a faux self-help presentation