Summer 2014

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS

Hap Feuerbacher, PresidentBrian Lehne, President-Elect

Eddie Ledesma, Secretary-Treasurer

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERBucky Lamb

9100 Decker Lake RoadAustin, Texas 78724

512-919-3000 phone512-919-3005 faxRodeoAustin.com

Info@RodeoAustin.com

Cover art by Paul LanquistPhotographs by Mark Matson, Kirt Steinke

and Susan Beth Sloan

COPYRIGHT © 2014 RODEO AUSTIN

PAGE ONERaffle

PAGE TWO2.5 Million in Youth Giving

PAGE THREE & FourLegends & Scholars

PAGE five & six Rodeo Austin’s Finest

PAGE Seven & eightVolunteers in Action

PAGE nine & TenUpcoming Events

Table contents

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Get Social with Rodeo Austin

raffle $10

In partnership with South Austin Marine, Rodeo Austin will raffle a 2015 Epic 22sc Fishing Boat! Complete with a trailer and 150 hp Evinrude E-Tech Engine, the 22-foot bay fishing boat is perfect for any fishing or family outing. Contact an event staff representative or email raffle@rodeoaustin.com to buy your tickets today.

Page one

®

AT-LARGEKeith Berdoll

Brian HillDavid KardoszKaLyn LaneyLance Lively

Stacy LooneyLatius Prikryl

Brian Yarbrough

PAST PRESIDENTSHaskell Griffin

Hil StroupBryan Teich

Shaun TuggleGilbert Turrieta

Stan VoelkerFred Weber

Kerry Wiggins

Page two

With a nonprofit mission of Promoting Youth Education - Preserving Western Heritage, Rodeo Austin is passionate about helping students acheive their dreams.

In 2014, Rodeo Austin awarded $2.5 million to the youth of Texas, setting a new record for the organization. Of the $2.5 million awarded to young Texans, $500,000 was in the form of scholarships to 45 deserving students. These scholarships enable the students, all hailing from different backgrounds, to enter college and pursue their unique dreams. Students can attend any Texas school and study their major of choice.

In addition to the scholarship program, Rodeo Austin raises funds and positively impacts young students’ futures through various educational programs.

The Youth Auction celebrates the hard work of Texas youth and awards money to students who compete in Rodeo Austin’s Junior Livestock Show and Youth Western Art Show. Students work all year raising animals and creating artwork with the

$2.5 million in youth giving

hopes of winning a spot in the Youth Auction and earning money to put toward their futures.

Philanthropic individuals and corporations attended the event to invest in the hardworking kids. This year, a record-breaking $1.2 million was awarded to a total of 400 young exhibitors through their various projects at the 2014 Youth Auction.

Rodeo Austin is passionate about making a difference in the lives of Texas youth and looks forward to another great year!

For more information on how to donate to the youth auction scholarship program or endowment program ,email info@rodeoaustin.com.

Hall of Fame

Scholarship Awards Ceremony

Rodeo Austin’s Hall of Fame is reserved for individuals who have illustrated many years of decidation and support to the organization. On April 28, 2014, four men were presented with this honor.

With more than 110 combined years of service, Dr. Charles W. Graham, Hilry Stroup, Haskell Griffin and Curtis Calhoun (left to right) were honored for their dedication to advancing the Rodeo Austin mission.

L e g e n d s a n d s c h o l a r s

Page three

On August 14, 45 students were presented scholarships during the Scholarship Awards Ceremony at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. More than $500,000 was awarded to the students in the presence of organization leaders and community dignitaries. Listed below are the recipients:

St. Edward’s UniversityClara DoyleZaira Villa

Steven F. AustinLisa Lageschaar (Miss Rodeo Austin)

Texas A&M UniversityRyon CoxHaley HerzogJansen MerrillSydney HerringLauren Zajicek

Texas A&M College of Veterinary MedicineByron NortonLeslie Wagner

Texas State Technical CollegeJorge Gonzalez

Texas State UniversityRobert Soto-Soria

Jacob MoormanTyler Vasek

Texas Tech UniversityJessica AkinsSavanna BarksdaleEmily FoutsKyle MahaganAnna Younger

West Texas A&M UniversityMadison HensleyKimberly Cantrell

University of TexasRio Esquivel Joshua HamptonMacey JacobsAllan KovarAdam Lewis Zoe LittletonCarson MoorePaloma OrtizEmma ScribnerKatherine SteinhauserJosephina Thibodeaux

4H FoundationEmily DevilleKendall KristynikDeric McCurry

FFA FoundationGarner BlezingerAtlana WatsonCord Wieghat

Austin Community CollegeVincent NguyenAshley Smith

Huston-Tillotson UniversityJonathan De La Cruz

Northwest Vista CollegeBailee Ackerman (Miss Rodeo Austin Princess)

Sam Houston State UniversityHarper OrtsBraylon Session

Page four

Cristabella Trimble-Quiz

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Cristabella Trimble-Quiz has always been fascinated by languages. The 2013 Rodeo Austin Scholar Recipient was exposed to Spanish through her bilingual mother. She studied the language in middle school and high school, but was called to expand her knowledge of languages by pursuing Chinese.

“Spanish is much closer to English, and easier to grasp,” said Trimble-Quiz. “People are surprised by my choice to learn Chinese, but I selected it because it presented a new challenge, especially since I chose to learn traditional characters.”

A junior at the University of Texas, Trimble-Quiz is double majoring in linguistics and Chinese. In order to take her language skills to the next level, she will soon embark on a year-long journey to study abroad in Taiwan.

“It’s important to me to have the immersion experience when learning a language, as it helps with native proficiency in the language,” said Trimble-Quiz.

She chose Taiwan after an initial visit during her travels a few years ago. “That trip was the bug that bit me,” she said.

Although excited to embark on the adventure, she admits to having mixed feelings about living abroad.

“I will miss my family and friends, but at the same time I’m looking forward to new experiences and the independence that comes with it,” said Trimble-Quiz. “I’d love to do a home stay where you live with a local family and get the greatest cultural experience possible.”

The scholarship she received from Rodeo Austin has enabled her to pursue her dreams of studying abroad and continuing her education.

“I grew up going to the Rodeo Austin carnival as a child, but wasn’t aware of their scholarship mission,” said Trimble-Quiz. “I value the confidence that’s been put in me through the scholarship, and it makes me want to be a good representative of the organization.”

Trimble-Quiz’s future goals revolve around her love of language and travel, as she hopes to teach English abroad, preferably in a place where Chinese is the dominant language. She would also like to pursue her doctorate in linguistics.

“I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up,” she said. “But I know I want to do something big.”

Scho lar

S p o t l i gh t

Page Five

Rodeo Austin presented Bob Carroll with the 2014 Volunteer of the Year - Top Hand Award. Bob served as Chair of the Competitive Events Committee, helping to host large-scale agricultural competitions for kids across Texas.

Top Hand Award

Director Emeritus

Most Dedicated Committee Vice Chair

Committeeman of the YearBill Benton’s lifelong service to the organization has made significant contributions to the youth of Texas.

Craig Teykl, Chair of the Youth Auction Committee, led the committee that raised more that $1.2 million for kids, setting a new record.

Benny Boyd, Jr., Vice Chair of the Youth Auction Committee, has helped Rodeo Austin advance the mission for more than a decade.

Diane Hagan has been involved with Rodeo Austin for 17 years, going above and beyond for Founders Club patrons.

R o d e o a u s t i n ’ s f i n e s t

Most Dedicated Committee Chair

*Russell Waters accepting on behalf of Benny Boyd, Jr.

Reporter of the Year

Tony Carey of LD Systems has worked with Rodeo Austin since 2002, providing all lighting and visual effects during the Fair and Rodeo.

Bob Cole of KOKE FM took home Rodeo Austin’s Reporter of the Year Award. Bob took to the airwaves to help spread Rodeo Austin’s story across Central Texas.

Lone Ranger

Top Junior Leader

Mickael Huerta excelled in the Junior Leaders Raffle Ticket Sales Contest, illustrating his dedication to the Rodeo Austin mission.

Page six

Jerry Burgener, Ticket SalesCarly Feuerbacher, Youth AuctionDiane Hagan, Founders ClubNovella Heffington, Event StaffLeslie Jackson , Mutton Bustin’Dusty Kiggins, Competitive EventsSherry Krupinski, Cowboy BreakfastAdam Lewis, Operations

Solitaire Lind, BBQApril Mabry, 100XMonica Masters, Calf ScrambleAshley Maund, Shoot OutMindy McArthur, AmbassadorsGinger McCready, Kid’s ClubAbby Monk, Rodeo Austin GalaArt Moore, Bullet Proof

Top Committee Members

R o d e o a u s t i n ’ s f i n e s t

Gary Pena, BackstageWalter Randig, RodeoSally Rodriguez, MembershipClaire Ronner, Information & SouvenirLeticia Vasquez, Acts & ExhibitsJeri Wines, Miss Rodeo Austin

Voted on by their peers, these individuals excelled, displaying the highest levels of dedication and passion to the Rodeo Austin mission.

With each and every Rodeo Austin event comes new and improved ideas. The most recent of these is a significant change in committee structure that combines multiple efforts of promoting the Rodeo Austin brand and recruiting new community members.

In an effort to effectively utilize the volunteer group and expand its reach, the Ambassadors Committee now consists of five unique and impactful subcommittees, with Joel Anderson serving as chair.

Serving as vice chairs, Steve Jennings leads the media and VIP efforts, Manny Trinidad spearheads special events and Marie Richter continues to run Kid’s Club initiatives. Partnering together, Ashley Ledesma and Paige Smith are leading the membership initiative, and Cary Dupuy and Mindy McArthur are organizing the Junior Leader program.

Already in full swing, each of these dedicated committee leaders is working with a talented group of volunteers to promote their respective initiatives and Rodeo Austin as a whole.

The Ambassadors Committee has represented Rodeo Austin at eight parades in neighboring communities, handing out koozies and reaching thousands of potential fair goers. Two membership recruitment happy hours have recruited a significant number of new volunteers. With new and improved Kid’s Club events and an expanded media reach, Rodeo Austin 2015 is sure to be one of the best yet!

V o l u n t e e r s i n a c t i o nAmbassadors Committee

Page seven

Page eight

Charles DiTullio, Volunteer

Rodeo Austin volunteers find their way to the organization in a variety of ways. For Charles DiTullio, chair of the Information and Souvenir Committee, it all started with a pair of socks.

“Almost five years ago, I went shopping at Sheplers Western Wear to buy some socks,” DiTullio said. “On the front porch, I met Lisa Nannola and Mary Lou Jones who were recruiting volunteers. That ended up being the most expensive pair of socks I ever bought!”

Passionate about giving back, he reports that the investment was well worth it. An avid volunteer not just at Rodeo Austin, but at the University of Texas, his grandson’s school and a housing organization, Charles says volunteering is all about finding a mission that you are passionate about.

“Rodeo Austin’s mission is something I believe in,” said DiTullio. “Working at UT, I meet a lot of students struggling to find funding or to manage debt. There’s quite a connection between my personal life, work life and the rodeo.”

In fact, DiTullio takes up to three weeks off from work each year to devote himself to Rodeo Austin, referring to it as his annual vacation.

“The best aspect of being a volunteer is being able to spend time with similar-minded volunteers and staff who are all working to make a difference, said DiTullio.

DiTullio also understands the importance that volunteers carry when it comes to spreading the word and representing your organization. “When I’m out in public and someone asks me about my lapel pin or belt buckle, I become an ambassador for the rodeo,” said DiTullio.

In his mind, the same principle carries over with the Information and Souvenir Committee. DiTullio looks at merchandise as a way of sending the organization’s message. The challenge is exactly how to do so with effectiveness and innovation. “Sure, the committee is about sales, and we aim to generate income,” said DiTullio. “But at the same time we also want to recruit new volunteers so that they can add perspective and help move the organization forward.”

Passionate volunteers can be found in all places, as DiTullio’s story illustrates. “Overall, it’s all about giving back, recognizing blessings and paying it forward,” he said.

Inspired by Charles’ story? Rodeo Austin needs your help to make a difference in the Austin community and in the lives of young people. With 25 volunteer-based committees, Rodeo Austin has plenty to choose from. For more information on how to get involved, visit RodeoAustin.com/volunteer.

Page nine

Join Rodeo Austin for friendly competition at the annual Shoot Out Sporting Clay Tournament October 7.

Held at Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch and Pavilion, participants enjoy a day filled with friendly competition, prizes, awards, catered meals and a silent and live auction. Register your team today at RodeoAustin.com to take advantage of early bird specials.

Shoot Out Sporting Clay Tournament

The event kicks off with a happy hour, BBQ buffet and an auction preview. Following happy hour, guests can bid on exciting items such as hunting trips, fishing charters and more. The night closes with dancing and a concert by Dale Watson.

Individual tickets start at $50. Tables start at $500.

october

7

november

15BBQfeaturing

live music by

dale watson

November 15, 2014 @ 6:00 p.m.

Auction & Dance

when: saturday

U p c o m i n g

E v e n t s

pageten

Rodeo Austin

Award-winning recording artists The Band Perry will headline the Rodeo Austin Gala February 7, 2015 at Palmer Events Center.

The band

perry

featuring

february

7

The Band Perry, comprised of siblings Kimberly Perry, Reid Perry and Neil Perry, boasts multiple No. 1 hits on the Billboard music charts and have won eight music awards, including the Academy of Music’s Top Vocal Group.

Two Tons of Steel, openers for The Band Perry, has brought their Americana sound to both Texas and international stages for more than 20 years.

As one of the city’s largest black-tie events, the Rodeo Austin Gala is the social event of the season. The 2015 Gala will feature a four-course meal, cocktails, live and silent auctions, and award-winning entertainment!

Buy your tickets online at RodeoAustin.com. Individual tickets start at $200. Tables start at $1,750. We hope to see you there!

G a l a

9100 Decker Lake RoadAustin, Texas 78724RodeoAustin.com

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDAUSTIN, TX

PERMIT #138

save the date

November 15

October 7 Shoot Out Sporting Clay TournamentTDS Exotic Game Ranch and Pavilion

for more information, visit rodeoaustin.com

BBQ Auction & DanceAustin Music Hall

March 6 Cowboy BreakfastThe Long Center

February 7 Rodeo Austin GalaPalmer Events Center

March 14-28 Rodeo AustinTravis County Expo Center

January 17 Fashion and Fine ArtBullock Texas State History Museum

November 1 Membership Deadline