CGRA Newsletter

August, 2011

President

Hello Members, Cowpoked and Cowpokers,

Holy ---- (insert your own four letter word). Its been like forever since we chatted. I have actually been enjoying a month off since RMRR 29. Hope this letter finds you all doing well. I guess you never really realize what it takes out of a body to go and go and go until it all comes to a stop. Believe me it'll wipe your ass out. LOL. Now thats kinda funny. I made you put your own four letter word in at the beginning and then I just let it roll out right here. Oh well, Its great to be back. Did you miss me? Come on now..... Go ahead I expect you to at least be honest with yourself. It doesn't really matter but if it makes you feel better I missed you.

Can you believe it? One year has gone bye. Well for my Presidency anyways. I have been busy looking and looking to see how do I get out of here. Who ever came up with the two year deal anyways. No, now lets be serious........ Hell (is that an okay word) I'm just getting started. We have made some huge headway into returning the Pride of this organization back to where it belongs. Sure we still have a ways to go and you know what..... We will get there. I am so happy to have been able to work with the Board of Directors each of you selected last year. What a GREAT group of men and women. I would never have made it thru without each of you. We faced the challenge, grabbed the Bull by the horns and did what we needed to do to make it all work. Thank You and the membership owes each of you a Thank You for a job well done.

So whats with all the crying eyes, the hugs and the Thank You's? Oh yeah I forgot Clyde's two year term is ending. So you can chose one of the three, whichever works for you. LOL. Seriously its election time. Thats what all the hubub is about. Look these are important times for us as an organization. Each of you should have felt or at least seen what a Board of Directors that works together can get accomplished. I look forward to doing even more this coming year. Look at the individuals you are about to vote into office and choose wisely. Its no longer just a seat on the Board its a challenge. I challenge each and every one of you to get involved. You may have missed the cutoff for your name to appear on the ballot but nominations will be open right up to voting. If you think its too late thats your first mistake. Its not. Come on get in the truck. We are having fun, again. I can't express the excitement that I felt when I realized that 16 members are running for a position on the Board of Directors. WOW. If we accomplished one thing last year, or maybe just got it started, its that individuals like yourself are wanting to get involved. No more sitting on the sidelines. Remember CGRA Rides with Pride. I would love to see a few more of you run for an office. I know you can do it and believe me I'll help. If you have any questions about running for an office please call me (303) 304-7771.

I truly hope to pack the house Friday August 26th. Show the Board of Directors who are stepping down or perhaps just changing seats your Thanks for their year of service and to VOTE. Lets keep this truck rolling. Keep looking forward, eyes on the road and ---- (four letter word) pool party, brb.

Let's Ride
Robert Thurtell
CGRA President
email address removed

Presentation of Scholarship

Presentation of Scholarship by Robert Thurtell, President CGRA & Ken Pool, Chair Scholarship committee to Kyle Pape.

Among the many community activities Colorado Gay Rodeo participates in, none is more important than encouraging further education & rewarding those who believe in the power of community service. Our scholarship program honors the legacy of CGRA's founding President & a tireless leader of the community, Wayne Jakino.

It is our privilege to present the 2011 recipient of the CGRA/Wayne Jakino Scholarship; Kyle Pape.

Kyle is a native Coloradoan, having grown up in Cortez. He is pursuing his Masters of Arts in Ethnic Studies from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. In addition to his excellent academic record, Kyle has worked extensively in HIV/AIDS prevention education in the Native American Community. His nationwide research work with the Two-Spirit Society and the LGBTQ communities is ongoing & drives his desire for further education. He also volunteers locally with the political rights group, "SERVE" & also with "Hammer-Time" a grassroots organization providing tools & access to organic foods for those in the Fort Collins area.

Colorado Gay Rodeo is honored to present the 2011 Wayne Jakino Scholarship to an outstanding example of hard-work & pursuit of excellence; Kyle Pape.

CGRA will be conducting fundraising all year for the scholarship fund, with one of our biggest events the past CGRA Royalty show, Friday December 2 at Charlies. We will begin accepting applications for the 2012 scholarships March, 2012. If you are interested in supporting the efforts of the CGRA-Wayne Jakino Scholarship program please contact the committee chair, Ken Pool

Trustee

Howdy All!!!

Well, the 2011 rodeo year is starting to wind down, only 2 more rodeos left for me (ok maybe a few more) Santa Fe and K.C. with horses. I'm still getting a few compliments on how good our rodeo went. There has not been any huge issues in the trustee's area, but the year is not over.

Also, do NOT forget rodeo rules for IGRA on 8/24/2011 at Charlie's at 7:00pm. Make sure you attend if you want to go to Convention!!! The last meeting was very good with 12 people attending.

Thank you,

John Beck
CGRA Trustee
email address removed

Public Relations

Howdy CGRA

What a great summer we have had so far. I want to say a huge THANK YOU. To all of you with your help and our communities help we made RMRR 29 a huge success. Even with the distractions we were faced with, our Rodeo went off smooth and professional. Lots of hard work done by everyone. Give yourselves a huge pat on the back. I can't wait to see what is in store for next years 30th Anniversary Rodeo. It's hard to believe that CGRA is turning 30 we only keep getting better.

It has been my pleasure and honor to serve you this year's as your Public Relations officer as well as helping out with fund raising as well.

Dan Rutledge
Public Relations Chair 2011
email address removed

Membership

ATTENTION: The on line store is currently down. Renewals (or new memberships) cannot be processed on line until further notice. If you wish to mail your renewal or new membership application... the process can be expedited if you mail it to me directly. Email me for my personal mailing address.

We hope to have a new process for on line renewals up and running as soon as we can.

REMEMBER:

1. All memberships are based on calendar year quarters instead of months. This translates to just four (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. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS!
3. CGRA offers limited 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 September, you will start hearing from me shortly.

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

CD
email address removed

Rodeo Events

Whew! Was it hot! I want to thank the "crew" that came out to help with our last gymkhana (July 31) in the big arena at Jeffco - or was that somewhere in the Sahara?

It was miserably hot, but we had a lot of new folks, got in some great practice and still had some fun - even as we roasted.

Throw in another tasty lunch courtesy of Men of Charlie's and what more could you ask for!

We only have one more gymkhana set for this year at Jeffco: Sunday, October 2. HOWEVER, stay tuned FHPs as we're planning one for Aug 27 or 28 - at Terra Firma - near Sedalia. Might plan a great trail ride down there, too. Watch the Yahoo group emails for details.

And don't forget the last two gymkhanas at JKRanch. The next one is coming up Aug. 21.

This was a new BOD hat for me this year. I want to heartily thank all the other folks who came out to help at the gymkhanas. You were golden - all of you - and thank you just doesn't seem to be enough. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!!!

Could not have done it without your help - REALLY!

Now if anyone has any comments, questions, criticisms, or... Contact me (or my successor):

CD
email address removed

Entertainment

I wish to thank all the people who have helped me with Entertainment this past year. And much thanks to the Board of Directors for their guidance.

Rodeo was a wonderful success thanks to many of our local entertainers who took their time to entertain.

After much thought I came up with the decision that my health is more important than anything else. And therefore I have decided not to run for the Entertainment Chair for 2012. I wish whoever takes this position much success and the support that I have received this past year.
Again thanks everyone.

John Kingston
2011 Entertainment Chair
email address removed

CGRA Board Of Directors Candidates

Vice President Candidates

Rich Valdez

It has been a great last two years being the Secretary for this wonderful family called CGRA. I am now running for the position of Vice President and I hope I can count on your support. I was Mr. CGRA 2005 and 1st runner-up Mr. IGRA 2006, so I do know what it takes to be a royalty member and what needs to be done to have a successful team. We have a great team working on the Board of Directors to make our organization grow and succeed. I have been working with our current Vice President Clyde Mitter during the past two years and have learned quite a lot. I want to make sure that we continue to have a strong presence in the community and that we continue to work with and raise money for our charity partners. I am always available to anyone who has questions and/or concerns about our royalty. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to ask me anything!

Thank you all for your continued support of CGRA!

Rich Valdez
Secretary
email address removed

Trustee Candidates

John Beck

Greetings Cowboys and Cowgirls,

I guess time flies by fast, and I still enjoy serving as a proud member as a CGRA trustee. That being said, let us look at the rodeos I have attended each year for the past three years as your trustee:

2009 - 16 rodeos, 10 attended plus University and Convention
2010 - 16 rodeos, 9 attended plus University and Convention
2011 - 15 rodeos, 8 attended plus University and Convention
12 board meetings attended across the USA.

I feel these past three years have given me the knowledge and wisdom to make the correct decision when it comes time to help the IGRA trustees. That and the fact that I intimately know IGRA rodeo rules allows me to say when I do discuss any matters all trustees will listen to me very closely.

CGRA has always been the leader in development, mentoring skills and role model of IGRA associations. I would like to continue helping CGRA hold this distinction as your trustee. On a similar note for CGRA's 30th Anniversary I would like to see us have a large Midway with a Carnival - ferris wheel, roller coaster, pop corn and all that jazz. Would that be fun? Just one of my ideas!!!! Always thinking. Please support me for CGRA Trustee!

Thanks,
John Beck

P.S. I have heard nothing but praise about our past rodeo. Thank you guys and gals.

Ken Pool

Howdy, I'm Ken Pool and I am asking for your vote to serve as IGRA Trustee representing Colorado Gay Rodeo Association.

I have thought about this a great deal and ask for your support because I believe I am the best prepared to represent CGRA to the IGRA Board. We need strong and effective communication between CGRA and IGRA concerning the important issues and activities occurring on the IGRA Board.

I served as your IGRA Trustee 2002 - 2005 term, during which I was selected to the position of Division 2 Vice-Chair twice by my fellow Division 2 Trustees. This speaks well to my effectiveness & the respect earned from other IGRA Board Members. I was appointed and served as the IGRA Contestant Liaison for 3 years. I have had the honor of representing Colorado as both Mr. CGRA 2004 and Mr. IGRA 2005. In addition to my work as Trustee I have also served on the CGRA board as Membership Chair, Vice-President, two terms as CGRA President, Asst. RMRR Rodeo Director and Co-Rodeo Director for IGRA Finals held here in Denver. I was appointed this year as the CGRA/Wayne Jakino Scholarship Chairperson and am also assisting the IGRA Finals committee with Public Relations/Marketing. Perhaps my greatest honor is being named a lifetime member of CGRA.

Gay rodeo & especially CGRA have brought many wonderful friends & great experiences into my life. I feel a responsibility to work hard to assure these great organizations not only survive, but improve and grow; to be strong & vital in our changing world. I ask for your trust & support that I may work hard on your behalf.

Cowboy up!
Ken Pool

Treasurer Candidates

David Hill

Rodeo Director Candidates

Mary Munger

Fund Raising Chair Candidates

Rocky Buruse
Dan Rutledge

Rodeo Gymkhana Events Chair Candidates

Kim Fry

Community Outreach Chair Candidates

Pauline Chavez

Hello CGRA Members

At the end of this month, we will be starting a new year for the BOD.

My Name is Pauline Chavez and I will be running for the position of Community Outreach

I have been in this Community for 30 plus yrs, I have had many titles Ms Gay Pride, Ms Galla, Ms CGRA 2004, I went on to Be Ms IGRA 1st runner up 2005, Ms CGRA 2009, then went on to be the Emperor of the ICRME. The only reason I mention these titles is to show you that I have been there for the Community, Reaching out to you, Bars and Businesses, Helping our Community be a better place to not only have fun in, but Now Reach out and let people know who and what the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association is.

We are coming on 30 years of Gay Rodeo. Come on and help us Celebrate and Vote for your New Board of Directors be apart of the decision. Your vote does Count.

Always in Service to the Community

Pauline Chavez

Entertainment Chair Candidates

Tommy Channel

Hello CGRA!

First I would like to congratulate CGRA and the Board of Directors on a great RMRR this year. In spite of weather conditions it always amazes me how our community continues to support CGRA.

In 2012 CGRA will celebrate 30 years of gay rodeo in Colorado by producing RMRR 30 and I have thought about this for some time now and want to be part of this production. I first wanted to be Rodeo Director for this landmark event and produce a great celebration to coincide with the rodeo. After some thought I realize I do not need to be Rodeo Director to accomplish this. In conjunction with a great rodeo it is important that we see a celebration for CGRA and our community because this is a very important year for all of us.

I believe I have the commitment and ability to serve CGRA in the capacity of Entertainment Chair for 2012. I have been a successful Rodeo Director, President, Trustee, Membership Chair, Metro Outreach Chair, Mr. CGRA, Mr. IGRA and am now ready to work for CGRA as Entertainment Chair. Oh yes I forgot I was also Snow Queen!! I also believe that I have the ability to assist with Fundraising and PR if needed. 2012 will be a year that all CGRA can be proud of and the Board of Directors will need all our support as we continue to move forward with gay rodeo in Colorado.

I am asking for your support and vote as 2012 Entertainment Chair.

Thank and hope to see all of you soon.

Tommy Channel

Membership Chair Candidates

Bruce Gros
CD Slusser

John Hill

My name is John Hill, and I am asking for the opportunity and honor to represent CGRA as your Membership Chair for 2011-2012. I feel that I will bring a new presence and perspective to the energy of the organization, which is necessary to ensure that CGRA remains a vibrant and evolving force within the Gay Rodeo community. On a Board of experienced, established members, I would attempt to represent the newer segment of the membership that does not always have a seat at the table in how issues are considered and deliberated.

I have lived in Denver for almost 10 years now, and I began attending CGRA events occasionally within a year of moving here. The first time I approached a volunteer at an event about getting involved myself, I was met with a mix of confusion and frustration because the volunteer did not know what to tell me. My first priority as Membership Chair would be that anyone who wanted to join and support CGRA would encounter people who can speak to the benefits of the organization in their own words. While print and online media can help, nothing beats our members speaking about why they are here and why others should join.

If elected, one of my first efforts would be to set up a group of CGRA ambassadors who would attend CGRA events and be able to speak to non-members about the benefits of joining CGRA. My hope would be to have at least one ambassador at every CGRA event, with all hands on deck for big events like our annual rodeo. In addition, I would like to propose an addition to the by-laws that would allow us to provide discounts on first-year membership fees to encourage people who have never been members to sign up.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering my inclusion on the 2011-2012 CGRA Board. Although I have met many of the active members, I know that there are many of you who do not know who I am. I would welcome any questions or comments that any of you might have for me. Please feel free to send me an email to

Thank you
John Hill

Public Relations Chair Candidates

Dan Rutledge

I wanted to take a moment and send this out to you. I am running for the chairs of Public Relations and Fundraising for the 2012 board of Directors for CGRA. I want to take a few moments and talk to you about why I think I am capable to fill both of these seats.

Public Relations is a hard task to handle on its own for CGRA, keeping the community updated to the happening within CGRA. That is a two part duty. First I have to have the information from you, about our organization and two from our Royalty team. Secondly, distributing that info to our social groups as well as media (when and if relevant). The monthly newsletter, getting articles from each of the elected members on the board, as well as any articles from you, our members, put together and published. I now serve as the Public relations chair, nhaving stepped in back in January. I was able to get the monthly newsletter restarted after not having been published publication since June of 2010. Managing this has been a fun and surprising task as I never know what will be turned in. I look forward to this every month and do my best in getting our newsletter out to our community as fast as possible. It has been a huge learning curve for me. One I asked to do. I am asking for you to continue your faith in me for another year. A full year, so that I may get everything up and running for the very beginning.

Fundraising, I started helping fundraising in January, selling buckle sponsorships and ads. We got off to a slow start. However RMRR29 sponsorship was up approximately $3,000.00 dollars from last year. A huge step in the right direction. However we still need more. I do believe with all my heart that I have the right path and head set to sell our rodeo and make the funds we are able to give back to our community even bigger. One of my proudest moments in fundraising, was getting Lakewood Ford Land to sponsor grand entry with 4 brand new shiny trucks. They are already back on board for next years rodeo. This year was a huge learning experience for me in our fundraising efforts. However I do feel that Public Relations and fundraising go hand in hand. My working relationship with our publisher and our printing company give me a huge step above for this coming years seats. If elected, I plan on having all ads and buckles sponsored before gay pride in order for us to be able to have the program out for gay pride.

I am asking you the membership of CGRA to allow me to sit in both seats to accomplish these goals. I thank you in advance for you consideration and for your trust with your votes.

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