Tommy Channel has been a member of the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association since 1985. He moved to Denver from Houston, Texas and immediately found a rodeo family and began what has now become a life career with CGRA.
Soon after arriving in Denver and discovering a local watering hole called Charlie's he met a guy and immediately fell in love. After 23 years he and David Hill still share a very special relationship that has been tried and tested. He would like to thank David for a lifetime of love and commitment.
Tommy found not only a group of rodeo friends but a complete rodeo family. He soon bought himself a horse named Sassy and entered the arena with a blast. He won his first ribbon in Oklahoma and his first buckle in Flag Racing at the Zia Regional Rodeo in 1992 and continued to ride and rodeo many years.
Tommy soon began to notice the CGRA Royalty Program and after being introduced to a very special friend he set his sites on a sash. Tommy would like to thank Michael Vrooman for this faith and encouraging him to compete for a title he so badly wanted. Tommy did become Mr. CGRA in 1996 and went on to win the title of Mr. IGRA 1997.
Tommy has served an incredible 20 years on the Board of Directors of CGRA. He has served CGRA from Membership Chair, Metro Outreach, Rodeo Director, IGRA Trustee, Treasurer and finally all the way to three terms as President of the organization. In addition to his many contributions to CGRA, Tommy is the Administrative Assistant for IGRA and is on the Entertainment Committee for the 2008 IGRA FINALS RODEO to be held here in Denver.
This tireless member is the Rodeo Director for RMRR#26 and has organized fundraisers all year to support the contestants added prize money. Tommy continues to organize events supporting CGRA and its members. Tommy's alternate side comes out every now and again wearing an outrageous wig accompanied by many jewels as well as a feathered slinky outfit, known as "MISS BLUEMOON". This character has raised many dollars for many local charities.
CGRA would like to say "THANK YOU" to Tommy for his continued support and wish him GOOD LUCK and GOOD HEALTH in the future.
