ProRodeo Sports News - May 4, 2018

recovering and getting to rodeo again,” Thomas said. “I can’t thank them enough. If I can do anything to help them out, I’mmore than willing to. It’s more than a one-way street.” On Jan. 15, the 43rd annual Cowboy Downhill ski slalom race in Steamboat Springs, Colo., generated $5,000 for JCCF. About one month later, the Cowboy Golf Classic in San Antonio raised $55,000 for JCCF. With a field of more than 150 golfers at this year’s fundraiser, they also raised $15,000 for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Since 2000, the golf tournament has raised more than $466,000 for JCCF. “Nothing is possible without the volunteers, it’s not a one-person thing,” Felts said of the golf tournament’s 40 volunteers. “It takes a small army to get it done and we have a good group. It’s a small group, but they work very hard.” The next day, and about 1,000 miles west, about 100 pairs of team ropers competed at the Mike Cervi Jr. Memorial Pro Classic Team Roping in Picacho, Ariz. “We thought it would be nice to have a roping in his memory,” said Mel Potter, a volunteer with the roping fundraiser. “I said if we do it I wanted to be sure we donated some money to a good cause and JCCF was as good as you could do for the cowboys.” Tom Richards and Nick Sarchett weren’t the only ones celebrating after winning the roping. The competition raised more than $14,000 on Feb. 21. Since 2002, the roping fundraiser has generated nearly $220,000. Another major fundraiser for JCCF was held in conjunction with the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo in

Kissimmee, Fla., April 7. Cocktails for a Cause raised $30,000 for JCCF. In four years the fundraiser has generated nearly $109,000 for JCCF. “It’s a great feeling to be able to help these young men and women get through stressful times like that,” said Jo Thacker, a volunteer for Cocktails for a Cause. A drawing, as well as silent and live auctions, were conducted for donated items. The auction received more than 100 donations from local businesses, rodeo committees, rodeo sponsors and private donors. The highest-selling auction item was a cooler containing Clemie Jo Lamb’s famous banana pudding, which first sold for $3,100. The buyer re-donated the cooler and pudding and it was sold again for $3,000, bringing the total to $6,100 for the one item. “It’s now a tradition in this event,” Thacker said. “She makes the best banana pudding in the world and we ask her to bring some for the auction.” Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins Jr. presented JCCF with the Community Betterment Grant for $5,000. The First Frontier Circuit presented a check for $1,000 from a fundraising auction held each year at the RAM First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo. “It was wonderful because all of the circuits came together and helped donate the articles, and they were interesting articles that people wanted to bid on,” Thacker said. “Everyone was excited when they were the successful bidder.” For more information about JCCF or to donate, go to justincowboycrisisfund.org.

Steer wrestler Billy Bugenig shared his JCCF story with the attendees of the April 7 Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser alongside 2018 Miss Rodeo America Keri Sheffield. Julie Jutten photo

A check for $55,000 was presented to JCCF during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo on Feb. 22. Pictured above are Cody Davenport (San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo), Kent Sturman (ProRodeo Hall of Fame), Julie Jutten (JCCF), Ronnie Urbanczyk and Terry Urbanczyk (representing the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo), and Walter Felts (Cowboy Golf Classic Committee Chair).

LeaAnn Gardner photo

ProRodeo Sports News 5/4/18

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