Rodeo volunteers aid Sisters causes

An auction raised $4,200 for a local charity and youth program at the annual Sisters Rodeo Appreciation Party on August 17. Nearly 200 guests — who were being thanked for their volunteer work — were pumped up for the prizes offered.

A striking quilt donated to the rodeo by Sandy Strader of Sisters brought in $3,500 after a rousing bidding process. The quilt is made from over 100 Crown Royal bags. The surgical nurse was thrilled when she learned her quilt funds were dedicated to Sisters High School’ equestrian team.

The second item was a current rodeo poster signed by all the competitors at the rodeo. It raised $700 for the 1017 Project, a cattle program developed by Shiloh Ranch Church for food-insecure people. To date, they have distributed more than 76,000 pounds of meat to hungry families and individuals.

Rochelle Villanova, the poster artist, and her husband were at the event.

“I am so happy with how much money was raised from my artwork through Sisters Rodeo,” she said. “This is wonderful.”

Her poster raised a total of $13,300 for charities.

The enthusiastic crowd cheered for the three rodeo members who were selected as Volunteers of the Year.

Marilyn Barker received a silver Sisters Rodeo bracelet along with a plaque for her outstanding service in her relatively few years of membership. She, along with her husband, is one of the impressive collection of members who show up for work parties all through the spring and then continue their service as volunteers during the rodeo.

Nick Jacobsen and Paul Yost were awarded silver Sisters Rodeo buckles and a plaque. The two men have become an invaluable asset to the rodeo with their variety of skills. John Leavitt noted in presenting the awards that whenever you needed anything done, both these young men were right on the job. They are the symbols of rodeo future, as enthusiastic and willing as members of far more years, including their own families.

The event also introduced new officers of Sisters Rodeo, President Curt Kallberg; Vice President Chris Schaad; Secretary Patty Cordoni and Treasurer Rick Wageman.

Past President Glenn Miller was able to attend the event after a long five months of continued recovery from a life-threatening illness. The ovation for him was several minutes long, expressing great appreciation for his service to the rodeo since the 1970s.

Sometime later, he was on the dance floor with his wife, Tove, demonstrating that he’s not riding off into the sunset, leaving Sisters Rodeo behind.

Under a perfect summer sky, the nearly 200 attendees danced to the music of Dry Canyon Stampede, celebrating into the night.

Sisters Rodeo is focused on bringing families into its fold.

“Most of our members are not spring chickens, “said President Kallberg. “We need to get new members and families involved, so a next generation will carry our banner into the future.”

For information about joining Sisters Rodeo, write to [email protected]