Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund

Bull Rider Tyler Smith Gives Back, Issues Challenge

jccfadmin — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:38:40 +0000

One day Tyler Smith, a professional bull rider in the PRCA, and his girlfriend were sitting on the couch when out of nowhere Tyler said, “There aren’t many cowboys listed here as donors.” Not knowing what he was talking about his girlfriend questioned him. Come to find out he was reading the latest PSN which recognized donors who contributed to The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. They were both amazed as to why there were so few cowboys and cowgirls, who are the ones who actually benefit from the fund, that donate to the fund. Between the two of them they came up with a plan to give back to an organization that gave so much to them. Being the competitor that he is, Tyler has decided to turn this into a challenge. He wants to encourage people involved in any way to the sport to contribute any dollar amount you can. Even as little as $50 a month could go a long way.
Many people think rodeo is a glamorous career full of fame, fortune, and fun. While at times any or all of the above may be true it is not at all as often as people tend to think. The truth is the sport of rodeo can be dirty, painful, expensive, and full of hardships. Injuries are inevitable, and to those who make their living off of rodeo, expensive. As hard as it is to believe, although it is a huge part of it, rodeo is not their entire life. Many cowboys and cowgirls have houses, land, families, animals, vehicles, and bills just like any other person to pay for on top of their rodeo career. When injuries occur it would be incredible easy for them to lose everything. The Justin Cowboy Crisis fund is a unique nonprofit organization that helps to prevent that from happening. Tyler Smith knows that as much as anyone.
Tyler, who dreamed of being a bull rider his whole life, obtained his PRCA permit in 2005 with the goal of eventually making the NFR and fulfilling one of his biggest goals, being invited to the Calgary Stampede. After years of traveling, hard work, practice bulls, rides, and buck-offs Tyler qualified to be a contestant at the National Finals Rodeo in 2010 where he was fortunate enough to have a successful ten days. By the end of 2010 Ty finished 3rd in the world.
The following summer, in 2011, Tyler was privileged enough to reach another goal, he was invited to be a contestant in the Calgary Stampede. As he and his girlfriend began the long trip from Colorado to Calgary, Canada they made a pit-stop in Vernal , Utah where Tyler was entered in the bull riding. Ty intended to turn out of the rodeo to avoid the risk of injury before Calgary, but after a guy who knew the bull Tyler was getting on told him he could definitely ride the bull he drew to win the rodeo Ty was determined to get on. As soon as the bull jumped out of the shoot Tyler knew something was wrong since he could feel his bicep flopping around. After being cared for by the Justin Sports Medicine team his girlfriend drove him home where he learned he needed surgery on his torn bicep. Tyler was forced to forgo his dream of being a contestant at the Calgary Stampede as well as the rest of the rodeo year since he faced a 6 month recuperation. In 2012 he was finally able to make a comeback, or so he thought. In March of 2012 Tyler was injured again with a hematoma in his back and a torn meniscus in his knee. Once again Tyler was told he would be unable to compete for yet another 6 months.
During that time Tyler was fortunate enough to receive assistance from The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. The organization allowed Tyler to focus on therapy and strengthening his injuries versus on whether he was going to lose everything he owned. The rodeo world truly is their own family and the fact that individuals are willing to contribute their hard-earned money to support the cowboys is admirable. It is time to encourage cowboys and cowgirls to do the same: help an organization who helps them. Donating to The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund is a tax write-off which allows you to know how your money is being used versus giving it to the government when tax season rolls around. Tyler is at a point in his career in which he is back on his feet again and has decided to give back to the organization that helped him keep his life in order at a time in which it could have easily fell apart. Since rodeo is such a lucrative sport Tyler has decided to start small and donate 5% of his winnings quarterly throughout the year. Once he analyzes his finances at the end of the year he will then consider donating an additional amount.

George Strait and Priefert Continue Support of JCCF

jccfadmin — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:05:14 +0000

Raise $10,500 for JCCF at the George Strait Team Roping Classic

The auction of the custom Priefert Roping Chute used at the 2013 GSTRC set yet another record for that event. After the first two successful bidders generously returned the chute to the auction floor, Jerry and Donna Sue Henry of Frio River Cattle Company won the final bid to take the chute home. Total dollars to be split between the JCCF and Western Wishes was a whopping $20,500.
George also supports JCCF with having Justin designate a portion of sales of his Justin Boots George Strait Collection, the 2012 donation for this brought the total from this fund raiser to $61,723! Thanks to George for teaming up with Priefert and Justin to support injured rodeo athletes.
Photos: Above: New owners of the custom wrapped Priefert GSTRC Chute! Congrats! Left to Right: George, Donna Sue & Jerry Henry (Frio River Cattle Company), David Fillebrown (Priefert), Garrett Tonozzi & Dugan Kelly (2013 GSTRC Champs)
Photo credit to Terry Calonge
Below: A close up of the beautiful custom Priefert Chute.

Damp Weather Doesn’t Dampen Spirits at the Mike Cervi, Jr Memorial Team Roping

jccfadmin — Sat, 11 May 2013 03:59:40 +0000

Event Raises $14,500 for the JCCF!

The 2013 edition of the Mike Cervi Jr. Memorial Pro Classic Team Roping didn’t have the ideal conditions, but the enthusiasm for the event wasn’t dampened. Threatening storm clouds welcomed the ropers to Casa Grande, AZ on February 20th, and although the start was delayed a bit, it was a great competition. It lived up to its reputation as an top-notch event with the greatest ropers in the world and a great fund raiser for JCCF raising $14,500 in 2013 bringing total donations to $150,000!
Four years ago, Cory Petska suggested that Aros could move the Cervi Roping to Casa Grande. That was the beginning of a week-long Casa Grande Cowboy and Indian Days. The City of Casa Grande, under the enthusiastic guidance of City Manager Larry Rains, along with Dick Powell and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Posse, saw the opportunity to bring a big name roping like the Cervi. They built a complete series of events around it which now includes an All-Indian Rodeo,ropings for all levels, the All-Canadian Maple Leaf Classic and a crowd pleasing Ranch Rodeo.
Erich Rogers and Cory Petska came out on top in the main event winning the coveted Cervi Champion buckle from Gist, Running P saddles, a white tailed deer hunt provided by Driftwood Performance Horses, and a check for $11,259 each. Erich commented, “it was a long, cold day, but it was really exciting.” Clay Tryan had a $14,803 payday with his 2nd and 4th place wins, Travis Graves picked up $9,349, and Jade Corkill added $5,454 to his wallet. Other prizes included Justin Ostrich boots, Bio Vigor, custom breast collars, Renew Gold, Resistol Hats, Mojo Horns horse blankets, and Gordy Aldersen bits.
Despite the weather, the Cervi delivered on all accounts: heart stopping action, supreme professionalism and awesome payouts. Certainly this roping will be remembered by all who were there, for a very long time just as Mike Cervi Jr. will be. The JCCF is honored to receive the proceeds from this event and appreciate Mel and Wendy Potter, Sherry Cervi and George Aros for everyone involved for the hard work and dedication.

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San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Cowboy Golf Classic Nets $30,000 for JCCF!

jccfadmin — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:57:40 +0000

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Fall Fest Committee held its’ 2012 Cowboy Golf Classic on February 19th at the Republic Golf Club. The large field enjoyed a beautiful day of golf and fun that culminated with a delicious barbeque lunch provided. The players also enjoyed hundreds of door prizes as well as a live auction. Nearly 20 contestants from the San Antonio Rodeo participated including Bull Rider Joe Frost, who stepped in to auctioneer when the auctioneer had a family emergency! Joe did a great job!

The Committee is very proud that as a result of the fantastic participation of the players and sponsors, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo was able to donate $30,000 to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund making the total contributions nearly $380,000! A special thank you goes out to our presenting sponsor, Crown Royal, for their support of the event. We also would like to thank All Health Seekers, MetLife, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, and all our other sponsors for their support.

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo President Joe Hutchison (left) and Fall Fest Chairman Terry Olivarri (Right) present a check for $30,000 to JCCF Program Manager Cindy Schonholtz during the February 21, 2012 rodeo performance. A check for $25,000 was presented to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame also.

Pro Rodeo League of Women Raise $100,000 at the South Point

jccfadmin — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 02:54:39 +0000

The South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa was the place to be on December 13th for the Pro Rodeo League of Women Style Show & Luncheon! The fashions on display by Wrangler and Rock and Roll Cowgirl were amazing with the models being NFR Contestants and their wives, 1000 attendees enjoyed a tasty lunch and the wine, courtesy of the Cactus Family of Companies, and the Pendleton Rodeo Ritas flowed! Gift bags courtesy of Gypsy Soule and t-shirts from Wrangler were given to each attendee.
PRCA Rodeo Clown Cody Sosebee joined the fun to give out over 200 prizes in the drawing supplied by the great vendors at Cowboy Christmas, Country Christmas and Cowboy Marketplace. The saddle drawing for the beautiful Martin Saddlery Sherry Cervi saddle was a highlight and the silent and live auctions were a huge hit! Carla Harrison served as the auctioneer and the high selling item was a spectacular Vintage Coin operated Rodeo Pony donated by The Ride Guys -Jim Hallstrom and the winning bid was $10,000 with the buyer being Michael Gaughan! Pam Minick and Sharon Camarillo served as the emcees for the afternoon.
The annual gathering began 25 years ago when the ladies of Pro Rodeo wanted to get together to help give back to the rodeo community. Tracy Hedeman and Stacey Custer have continued to organize the event long after their husbands, Tuff and Cody, retired from Professional Rodeo competition. Tracy, Stacey and a host of volunteers work to insure this event is successful and that a substantial amount of money is raised to assist injured rodeo athletes.
Thanks to all who sponsor and support this important fund-raiser, which has raised more than $1.3 million to give injured rodeo professionals “A Hand Up.”

Justin Gear Bag Promotion Nets $20,000 for JCCF

jccfadmin — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:06:08 +0000

The Justin Gear Bag Promotion is just one of the ways that the Justin Boot Company continues it’s support of the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. Every year they create a great gear bag with the Wrangler NFR Logo, include it as a gift with purchase for Justin boot buyers and donate a portion of the proceeds of every sale to JCCF, raising $20,000. A check was presented prior to the JCCF Board Meeting in Las Vegas on December 10, 2012.
Photo: Back Row(l to r) Joe Shafer, Tom Feller, Dale Woodard, Jamie Morgan, Don Andrews, front row (l to r) Randy Watson, Karl Stressman, Gary Williams, Dr. J Pat Evans, Jimmie Munrow and JT Dickenson. Photo By Greg Westfall.

2012 Wrangler NFR Fundraisers

jccfadmin — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:22:50 +0000

The Wrangler National Finals is an important venue for raising funds for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund and this year was no exception.

The PRCA Convention Silent Auction takes place each year during the PRCA Convention and over 150 donated items from PRCA sponsors, rodeo committees, contestants, contract personnel and supporters made for a great Christmas shipping venue! Over $12,000 was raised this year.

The 6th Annual Bob Tallman Wrangler NFR Charity Bowling Tournament was held on December 10 at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino and is proving to be a family fun event that raising funds for Speedway Children’s Charities and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. Nearly 200 bowlers took part and had a blast bowling with Celebrities and Cowboys! Nearly $10,000 will be split between the charities. The Pendleton Whisky Posse showed up and kicked off the event right by donating $2500 to JCCF!

A3 Merchandise is a partner with PRCA on all logo’d merchandise and began taking collections at the 2011 Wrangler National Finals at their souvenir stands around Las Vegas. They expanded the effort and the tally is nearly $20,000 collected for JCCF during the 2012 WNFR!

Thanks to everyone involved in these events for the support of the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund!

Crown Royal Donates $10,000 to JCCF

jccfadmin — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:56:41 +0000

The Crown Royal Riders finished off National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas with a $10,000 donation to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which they presented to JCCF representative Cindy Schonholtz on Friday night. The check presentation capped off a successful ten days full ofmedia interviews, rider appearances and safe rides for rodeo fans.

Although Cody started out two-for-two and won the second round of NFR he, unfortunately, failed to complete a qualified ride the rest of the week. Despite this, Crown Royal made the donation to the JCCF as a token of gratitude for the ongoing partnership and all they’ve done for Tilden and all other injured cowboys.

Pendleton Roundup Memorial Golf Tourney Raises $9000 for JCCF!

jccfadmin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:20:26 +0000

The annual Cowboy Memorial Golf Tournament held Sept. 10th in Pendleton, OR at the beautiful Pendleton Country Club Golf Course. Cowboys and golfers came together for a fun afternoon of golf and raised $9000 for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.
The tournament was established in 1990 in memory of plane crash victims Mike Currin, Dave P. Smith, David Bowen and Randy Dierlam, who died with pilot Bob Card on a rodeo trip to Alberta. The tournament has raised more than $100,000 for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund since its inception. The 2012 tourney was better than ever under the leadership of Tournament Directors Kris Smith and Brian Currin. Fun was had by all during the four person scramble followed by a tasty lunch and great prizes.
The winners walked away with beautiful Montana Silversmiths Buckles! Thanks to everyone in Pendleton who support this event and the memory of some great cowboys!

JCCF Board Member Dr. J Pat Evans Inducted into Whitworth Heritage Gallery Hall of Fame

jccfadmin — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 02:26:47 +0000

Congratulations to founding JCCF Board member and true friend to cowboys, Dr. J Pat Evans on his induction into the Whitworth Heritage Gallery Hall of Fame. We are so thankful to Dr. Evans for his years of dedication to the health of the rodeo cowboy. His contributions to rodeo are only a small part of his amazing legacy, please take the time to watch the video! Congrats J Pat for all you have done and are continuing to do today!
Dr. J Pat Evans Induction