ProRodeo Sports News - Dec. 20, 2024

WRANGLER NFR NEWS & NOTES

FROM PAGE 65

Five-time PRCA Bullfighter of the Year Cody Webster helps a young cowgirl rope the dummy during the Exceptional Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Click Thompson

Woolman. When Woolman decided to cut back his schedule in late 1997, he joined with Williams. The duo would go on to take 64 victory laps at the Thomas & Mack Center. Williams won 28 go rounds in Las Vegas in his career and Skelton won 36. “It’s beyond a dream come true,” Skelton said. “It’s not something you look forward to when you start out your rodeo career, but they voted us in. We had a tremendous run here at the Thomas & Mack. Words really don’t describe it.” The Exceptional Rodeo hosted special needs students from the Clark County School District for an hour of smiles, fun and rodeo during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge. On Dec. 13, around 40 kids from John F. Miller School and Helen J. Stewart participated in simulated bull riding, barrel racing and roping practice with a full team of volunteers and a few NFR qualifiers. “It’s great to see these kids experience being in an arena that all of us want to be in,” bull rider Dustin Boquet said. “It’s pretty neat to see these kids smile, have fun and cut up, and to get out a little bit and enjoy the day.” The Exceptional Rodeo also welcomed special guest Mo Brings Plenty from the hit TV show Yellowstone. He helped kids get from one station to the next, posed for pictures with families and signed plenty of little cowboy hats. “Kids are everything. They’re our future,” Brings Plenty said. “Whether you’re a parent or not, we are all fathers and mothers to every single child in this world. So, anything we can do to help out, be a part of and brighten their day or put a smile on their face is so vital and important.” For the 37th year, the ProRodeo League of Women hosted its fashion show and luncheon to raise money for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to injured cowboys. Since 1987, the ProRodeo League of Women has raised more than $2 million to support the JCCF. Michael and Paula Gaughan hosted the sold out luncheon at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa Grand Ballroom, Dec. 12. Tracy Hedeman, Stacy Custer and Julie Jutten spearheaded the event. “To raise that much money ($130,000) really warms your heart,” Custer said. “We are very thankful and grateful for the people who support us year after year. We couldn’t raise that kind of money without Michael and Paula Gaughan being as generous as they are with the hotel and stuff. Then we have a ton of volunteers who help us as well. We have a lot of people who show up year after year to help us. This was a great event.” LADIES LUNCHEON NETS HUGE DONATION FOR JCCF EXCEPTIONAL RODEO BRINGS SMILES TO NFR

The ProRodeo League of Women hosted its fashion show and luncheon to raise money for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. They organization presented JCCF with a $130,000 check at this year’s event. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Hailey Rae

ProRodeo Sports News 12/20/2024

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