California Rodeo Salinas’ Community Donations Surpass $770,000
By: Mandy Linquist
LOCAL NON-PROFITS, WESTERN ORGANIZATIONS, AND MORE BENEFIT FROM THE LARGEST ANNUAL DONATION NUMBER TO DATE
SALINAS, CA – On September 13, 2023, the California Rodeo Salinas demonstrated its commitment to the community by contributing $771,020 to various local non-profit organizations, Western industry groups, and other community associations. This figure marks a substantial increase of 36% compared to donations made in 2022. Factors contributing to the rise include increased Rodeo attendance, inaugural donations to VetTix, increased scholarship funds, and allocating additional volunteer positions to local organizations. The grand total also encompasses reduced rates for facility rentals and the provision of complimentary tickets to further support the community.
Donations were earned by groups that undertook a wide range of responsibilities such as managing parking, selling food, ushering guests, and more during events produced by the California Rodeo Association from October 2022 to September 2023. Some of the non-profits and other groups who benefit from these donations include Alisal High School Boosters, California High School Rodeo District 4, Filipino Community of Salinas Valley, Knights of Columbus, Monterey Bay Veterans, Salinas High School Baseball, Seaside Raiders Football & Cheer, Sun Street Centers, and the Grower Shipper Association Foundation. The full list of recipients can be found at https://www.carodeo.com/p/about-us/community/spenthere.
‘This is our largest annual community donation to date, and we are proud to have such a profound impact on local non-profits and other organizations who help us preserve the Western lifestyle and execute our events,’ said Fred Hooker, President of the California Rodeo Salinas. Representatives from 23 organizations received their checks last night and thanked the Rodeo Association for helping them pay for uniforms, facility and field improvements, transportation, travel, scholarships, leadership training, education, and other enrichment opportunities.
The next event that the California Rodeo Association will produce is the Fall Round Up Festival October 12th-15th at the Salinas Sports Complex. The event is presented by Brent Eastman Insurance Services, Inc. and will include a carnival, kids’ area, pumpkin patch, live music, food, and more. Find more information and purchase tickets at https://www.carodeo.com/events/2023/fall-round-up.