CGRA Newsletter

March, 2011

Reports

President

Howdy Hi and a BIG Hello to all you Cowboys, Cowgirls, Buckaroo's and Buckarette's,

Did you think that I forgot you? This is where I hesitate, thinking that I should type if you only knew. But, seriously, I do enjoy most of all this part of my rein as President. It's that once a month, where I get to reach out to some of you who haven't been able to attend a meeting or a function and spend a moment of your time to let you know my perspective on what's going on. Not that it's worth a hill of beans, but it's nice that you tolerate me. So let's get after it and see what and where we can go from here.

A couple of things to bring everyone up to date on prior to moving forward. A huge congratulations to Bruce Gros and the wonderful committee he assembled in the production of our Valentine Extravaganza. It never ceases to amaze me that with a little leadership and willingness to see a project through the wonderful things that we can accomplish. To all of those involved in the success of this night, CGRA can not Thank You enough. The other item I would like to address is one that means so much to me. This is where I have to be careful..... You know I don't want to get myself into any trouble. LOL. Like that's ever stopped me before.

I want to extend a very gracious Thank You to Ken and Ty for hosting, what hopefully will become an annual event, a meeting of CGRA's past Presidents. There were 9 of the 14 of us there and I have to tell each of you that there is a vast wealth of knowledge wanting to HELP. Just sock that away and put it in your back pocket for the next time you have an idea or suggestion. There are several of us still involved in the success of CGRA. You can never sit as a President and just walk away and pretend that you just don't care anymore.

As for the new meat. Can I say that on here? Oh well, too late. We are just four months away from RMRR 29. Yep that's right. My how time flies when you're having fun. I need your HELP. WE need your HELP. I hope right now you're asking yourself, "What the hell does he mean?", "How can I be of help?". If you are, then we are on the right track. I want to spend a minute with you and explain what I am seeing and the uphill battle that I feel that we face as an organization. Times are tough, folks. The economy is in the tank. Money is tight. Even those friends that each of us have who we always admired cause they were doing so well, are now struggling to cope with the day to day circumstances they find themselves in. I ask that you keep this in your mind as you process ideas that I am asking for.

Where you fit in is just that. Ideas. We need your help. We have a huge commitment to our Charity Partners and producing a successful rodeo. A profitable rodeo. So I am open to ALL suggestions you may have on new ideas, sponsors, activities and events that WE can look into. Each of you have one, I know you do. It may be a business that you associate with that might want a small part in the rodeo. A large part would be awesome but I'll take the little ones. These are the things that I ask for your help in. You have my number or my e-mail, please don't hesitate. It's time. It's time to "Get in the Truck". If you don't know how to contact me you can always do it thru our website. I'm not gonna beg ya. The success of our organization does not lie with me or your Board of Directors, you play a HUGE part in that

Okay, so nothing like a little homework. We are on the right track. We are getting out in the community again. Now we need that same community to support us. With the times being what they are, the success of our rodeo will be measured by "Butts in the seats". What's the one idea that will pack the house? I'm listening. Remember there is no such thing as a bad question asked. You may just be the one with that right idea. I truly look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for your time and reading through my little BS each month, but your participation means everything to me. Hope all is well where you are.

Let's Ride
Robert Thurtell
CGRA President

Vice President

Hello CGRA Members

I just wanted to let you all know that CGRA was well represented by several Contestants, Royalty and several Board members. Phoenix had a great rodeo once again but the Rain and wind was very cold. "So much for the nice weather".

Your Royalty has been out in the community representing CGRA at several events. Rocky had a very nice Chili night at Charlie's for those of you that missed it, you missed some great Chili. I was very to proud to see our Royalty all in Phoenix working where ever they were needed. (Great Job)

John Beck and I were doing Goat Dressing again for the 15th year and of course it went as bad as usual but we hammed it up for the spectators, but I think the Goat weighed as much as John does. I think at convention will write a rule on the weight of the goats just like the height. Well, we're getting closer to spring, cannot wait, we look forward to seeing you out and about soon. I'm still looking for volunteers at the RMRR so if you would like to volunteer in some capacity, please see me or Rich Valdez. We would welcome any help also the Contestants will be Bartending Friday night as we usually do, all tips that are donated will go to CGRA's play day for the animals we rent. Rebecca Tucker, great job carrying the flag in Phoenix and representing IGRA.

Lets Rodeo!!!
Clyde Mitter
Vice- President

Secretary

Hey all.

In Colorado Springs the Court's event was held on Saturday, March 5th. We had 6 flag carriers from CGRA and the following 7 people who had volunteered to carry the flags. It was good to have the extra one just in case there is an extra flag needed.

Robert Thurtell
Rich Valdez
Jeremy Snidow
Kim Fry
John Beck
Rocky Buruse
Tracey Lee Saunders

And we had an interesting thing happen as well that evening. Robert and I were asked to sit on the dais for the first set as special guests to the Emperor and Empress. The event was very fun and we made sure that CGRA's presence was felt in Colorado Springs! Sorry you missed it!

Rich Valdez
Secretary

Trustee

Hello CGRA

Phoenix was not one of mother nature's best days, dust storms, wind, rain more rain and cold both days. Even through all that, I still got 4th all around. Jeff and Steph Curtis also got points in several events. And Clyde Mitter still can't run goats. Anyway we all had fun. That's all I've got folks.

John Beck
CGRA Trustee

Rodeo Director

I would like to thank the Membership, for having the confidence in my abilities to serve as your Rodeo Director for Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo 29. I began working on the duties of the Rodeo Director immediately after my appointment, and have completed some very important tasks. The Board of Directors has approved the venue of RMRR 29 to be at Jefferson County Fairgrounds, the Certified Officials have been selected, the Stock Contractor has been approved, the Host Hotel is contracted, the trash pick up and clean up is secured, Porta Potties and the dumpster are secured, and the Blue Moon kitchen is coming back once again. I still have some other items to get in line, such as buckle awards, security, liquor licenses, etc. My goal is to have all operational items completed by the end of May, and I am well on track to accomplish this goal.

To put on a great rodeo, we need the assistance of membership involvement, and sponsorship. There are several sponsorship opportunities available, that is great advertising for the sponsors. It is every member's responsibility, to reach out and participate in gathering sponsorship for RMRR 29. Sponsor a buckle, sponsor a chute, sponsor a banner in the arena, place an ad in the program, volunteer your time and efforts, ask people you know to sponsor CGRA...

I would like to invite the entire Membership, to the EXDO Event Center on March 11, 2011, from 7:00 PM to 12:00 PM, to help raise funds for Bonnie Brand. Bonnie Brand is a long time supporter of CGRA, and member of this community, and this event is "For The Love Of Bonnie". There is a silent auction, and will be some great dancing and party opportunities with DJ Shannon Stone. I will gladly accept volunteers to help out with this event as well. All proceeds will go to benefit Bonnie, as she battles Cancer.

Good luck and safe travels to all going to Texas this month for rodeo.

Get In The Truck
Mary Munger
Rodeo Director RMRR 29

Public Relations

Hello CGRA Members

Wow, it's hard to believe we are already in March, Spring is just around the corner. Rodeo season is getting ready to kick into high gear. I hope you are ready. This month we have the following Rodeo, Texas Tradition Rodeo, March 11-13 in Alvarado, Texas. I want to wish everyone traveling to Texas safe travels and a great weekend of fun. I wish I were going.

I want to say THANK YOU to CGRA and the KREWE OF CHAOS for an amazing job on Valentine Extravaganza. Lots of hard work was put in on both sides and it really showed. I know for one, I had a great evening, I know lots of money was raised. WAY TO GO !!!!!!

It is now time to turn our attention and efforts to RMRR 29. Folks we need all of your help in making this year's Rodeo a huge event. So get involved in anyway you can this year. Let's show the rest of the rodeo family just how proud we are of CGRA. Contact email address removed to volunteer.

Dan Rutledge
Public Relations Chair 2011

Fundraising

There will be a Fundraising Committee meeting regarding RMRR 29 sponsorship and ad sales on Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at my home, 5300 Cherry Creek South Drive #124, Denver, 80246.

A few people have already expressed their commitment to work on securing ads and sponsorships but more is needed if we are to reach our goal of increasing our revenue this year by $5,000.

The meeting will focus on becoming familiar with the Sponsorship Kit which has already been published and can be found on the CGRA website, reviewing sponsorship opportunities, dividing up contacts to seek renewals from previous sponsors, how to increase advertising, and brainstorming and other ideas to generate financial support for RMRR. This meeting will not consider other aspects of RMRR planning.

If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and "Get In The Truck" to make RMRR 29 financially successful, for CGRA and our charity partners, as we lay the foundation for our 30th anniversary of Gay rodeo, then this meeting is for you!

Valentine Extravaganza 2011 is now in the history books, the bean counters have counted all the beans which are now safely in the bank, and I've caught up on my sleep so it's time to share the results of the weekend. This year's event took in just over $7,900 combined from the live and silent auctions, Cupid's Corner, 50/50 drawing and Jello shot sales.

So many people deserve recognition for their participation in the event. The community as a whole came out in droves, filling Charlie's so full that parking couldn't be found for 5 blocks in any direction!

We're grateful to the donors who supplied the merchandise, dinners, hotel stays, event tickets and other goods and services that made both the live and silent auctions possible. Of course we appreciate the support of those who bid, bought, and drank who ultimately contributed their hard earned cash to the cause.

An army of volunteers donated untold hours, both before and during the event, to make it a success. The many volunteers from our charity partners, P.A.W.S. Colorado, ELEMENT, Rainbow Alley, Rocky Mountain CARES, Home O' Hope, and other community organizations, were amazing in providing added hands to lighten the load on Saturday. Of course many members of both sponsoring organizations, CGRA and the Krewe of Chaos, stepped forward as well but particular mention should be given to Dave and CD for assisting with the financial side. The crews who wrapped up the silent auction and struck the set were awesome, accomplishing your work swiftly and seamlessly.

The men and women who participated as bachelors and bachelorettes in the date auction gave us their trust and we couldn't have done it without them. Thank you Julie, Jennifer, Marin, Mary, Shannon (not Sharon!), Nuclia, Brent, Brian, Carl, Jeramy, Jack, Todd, Chuck, Jonathan, Jeff & Steph, KT & Aylah. And special thanks to Alejandro who tried valiantly to be part of the event but was denied by the Parking Fairies!

Charlie's--Denver, represented by John Nelms, Tim Platt, Jay Mason and the entire staff were incredible hosts and provided considerable advance planning aid, as well assisting in arranging support from Apex Distributing, Coors and Bud Light.

We had a fun, entertaining, and professional floor crew in our Emcees R.J. and Steph, our auctioneer Scott, and his ringers C.J. and Grant.

The Boards of Directors of both CGRA and the Krewe of Chaos were completely supportive of the collaborative efforts of our two groups and fully behind the initiatives of the planning committee.

The planning committee. Words of praise are not enough to recognize all your labor for the success of Valentine Extravaganza and the charitable support it provides to our community. Thank you, thank you. Each of you devoted yourselves to creating an amazing experience, often in ways unknown, and exhibited an incredible unity of purpose that testifies to your deep commitment to helping others. It has been my pleasure and honor to serve alongside you toward achieving our common goal.

So to everyone whose contributions, large and small, made Valentine Extravaganza 2011 the success that it was: THANK YOU!

CGRA invites you to join us again on February 11, 2012 at Charlie's--Denver for the next edition of Valentine Extravaganza!

Bruce Gros
Fundraising Chair

Entertainment

Valentines Day is finally over. Finally a chance to rest before the push for Rodeo. I started passing out letters to other Rodeo Associations during the Road Runner Regional Rodeo.

The price for James Allen Clark as our special live entertainer on Saturday and Sunday evenings at the Rodeo Grounds was rather pricy. So I'll be looking into finding someone else for those nights.

Just remember "Get in the Truck." And this time I spelled it right.

John Kingston
2011 Entertainment Chair

Rodeo Events

Spring's coming - I hope! It's time we get rolling with this year's gymkhanas @ Jeffco Fairgrounds. I'm hoping to see as many of you as possible on Sunday, March 13, for our kickoff event. Keep in mind the changes on the following chart and especially note, we will be starting at 10 A.M. - not 11 A.M.

We will begin with a little something new and different this year - a horsemanship/trail class. This will incorporate a number of exercises for you and your horse that should add to your overall horsemanship as well as help the athleticism and suppleness of your horse. Great for the novice and more advanced rider, points will be awarded for participation like the other horse/rider events; AND, this event will be scored so points will also be awarded for placing 1-5. We'll be running our standard speed events (poles, barrels, flags), some fun people events; and, the Men of Charlie's will be serving an all-you-can-eat lunch with beverages for a mere $3. Hope to see you there!

As a reminder, here's our gymkhana dates this year:
GYMKHANA DATES: March 13, April 17, May 1, July 31 and October 2. You can find more information on our Gymkhana page.

The chart below highlights the standing rule changes for our gymkhanas.

CGRA has been holding (at least) one cattle practice day every year. One is in the planning stages for this year - in June - prior to RMRR29. In addition to providing a practice venue for the veteran contestants, I would like to see us all help in placing more focus on recruiting and teaching new members. I would like to put together a team of "event leaders" to help coordinate the running of the different events. Please contact me if you would like to help out. If you have a specific interest - let me know. We'll need arena crew, timers/announcers and let's not forget the teachers - lots of teachers.

By the way, this is a new BOD hat for me this year, so please feel free to share any thoughts, ideas or even criticisms you might have. After all, this is YOUR organization. Contact me here: email address removed

Now, get in the truck!
CD

Membership

1. All memberships are based on calendar year quarters instead of months. This translates to just 4 renewal dates per year, March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.
2. Membership cards (for those who wish them) and reminder emails should make it easier for everyone to renew their membership when due. Members will be DEACTIVATED in the database within 10 days of expiration if they have not renewed. ABSOLTELY NO EXCEPTIONS!
3. CGRA offers limited Junior (JR) memberships at a reduced annual fee of $12. This is ONLY for those under the age of 18 - with parental approval, of course.

Please do take a moment and make sure your membership is up-to-date. Prompt renewals are always greatly appreciated and be sure to let me know if you have any name, address, phone or email changes. Do check your emails closely for those renewal reminders. For those of you needing to renew end of March, you have started hearing from me already.

Remember, staying on "Active" status is imperative for rodeo event registration - AND I HAVE MEMBERSHIP CARDS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS ONE! If I don't run into you at our meetings and events, contact me and I'll snail mail one to you. Not only is it a great reminder for your renewal date, but a shopping trip to Lancaster's with your card will net you a 10% discount.

Feel free to email me: email address removed if you have any questions or updates... and, as always, Membership Applications/Renewal forms are available through the website. Those can be snail mailed to me at:

CGRA-Membership P.O.Box 18728 Denver, CO. 80218

or, better yet...renew on line @ www.cgra.us

CD

Dance

Saturday, March 26, is the date of the next CGRA Dance Contest. For additional information, please check out the CGRA.ws DANCE information page. Contestants may register for the dance contest on line and information regarding the contest, including the line dance numbers for participation, are featured on the site. In addition, check out the photo gallery of the January 29 dance contest.

Cowboy Frank organized a photo slide presentation which we will display at the Information Table at Charlies. Come have fun by participating in the Dance Contest or just be there to cheer on your friends and favorites.

For additional information, call RJ, CGRA Dance Chair at 303.653.3438 or send an email to .

Metro Outreach

Well guys. Let's see! I went to Road Runner Rodeo in Phoenix, the weather was not the best but the Rodeo went on. It was good seeing some of my friends, and maybe one that I did not want to see and she gave me a surprise. Who knew?

So I hope to see everybody on April 2, 2011 for the Mock Rodeo at Charlie's

Kim Fry
Metro Outreach Chair

Royalty

Hey Everyone,
February was a month of joy!!

First we had Valentine Extravaganza! I love working with all the wonderful people that helped out! I got to talk with a lot of wonderful people, and they can't wait for next year!!

Let's not forget Phoenix, AZ!! How cold was that!! I don't know about the rest of you, but I was hoping for some fun in the sun!! LOL!! Even with all the rain and cold I had a blast, I got to meet a lot of the other Royalty Teams!! Let me tell you, if that is any preview for IGRA competition for IGRA Royalty 2012, we have are work cut out for us!! I can't wait, it's going to be a blast!!

And what about Rocky's Chili Feed? How good was the chili, go Woman's Bean Project!! I can't wait to check their jewelry!!

February was a month filled with excitement and I know March will be filled with even more excitement!! I get to start training again on my horsemanship! I am so excited that I get to compete in barrels this year!! Thanks Nellie!!

Well I pray that all is well in CGRA Land and I will see you all around!!

XOXO
Tracey Lee Saunders
Miss CGRA 2011

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