CGRA Newsletter

February, 2012


Reports

President Vice President Secretary Trustee Rodeo Director Public Relations Rodeo Events Membership Metro Outreach Royalty

 

Valentine's Extravaganza 2012 "Love in the Loft"

February 11, 2012, 6pm to 11pm

Silent Auction 6pm till 9:30pm

Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction, 8pm to 11 pm

    The Bachelors and Bachelorettes:
  • Doug Tear
  • Bryan McKay
  • Brandon Siplak
  • Benjamin Carson
  • Codi Katen
  • Rich Demerrah
  • Thairone Media
  • Todd Jones
  • Brent Heinze
  • Miss Eryn

Lots of auction items from local businesses including:

  • Liquor Baskets
  • A cake from Le' Bakery Sensual
  • Several baskets to make your Valentine's a fun Night!

Cupid's Corner is $5 for items valued from $10 to $100. Try your luck and be rewarded!

All proceeds to Benefit CGRA and its 2012 Charity Partners, Howard Dental, Project Angelheart and Jeffco Mounted Search and Rescue.

Rocky Buruse
Mr. CGRA 2011 and Mr. IGRA 2012 1st Runner Up


President

Howdy All,

Just so you know, as the beginning of each month rolls around, I sit here and contemplate just what it is that I want to chat about. It seems so much easier in the gay chat rooms. Maybe cause I always seem to be talking about and looking for the same things there. But let's not go there. Instead I have decided that I'm wanting to share with you this month what it is that I feel each and every day about us. (Well maybe not every day).

So pull up a chair, gather around here by the fire and take a listen. I want to start with a group HUG. Yep, that's right a group HUG. Oh come on, you know you want one. Come on in here. Get some Lovin'. Wow, this is starting out just like that gay chat room. LOL. I know your thinking, I've done gone and lost it. But, let me explain............

We ALL struggle from time to time in our lives. Now that could be with our job, our relationships, our finances and yes, even with CGRA. That's what has made me feel the need to talk to each of you about this month. Yep, the last one, "CGRA". What is it about this organization that keeps frustrating so many? I want each of you to sit back and answer that. I've had to. Hell, last week, in a conversation, I was told to get rid of 'em. That conversation happened to be about some who weren't fulfilling their duties. My response was I simply Chair a Board of Directors who were elected by the General Membership and that getting rid of 'em wasn't even an option. My only option was to resign my position as President and to let 'em know that when they were serious about running an all volunteer organization, with the good of the many in their heart and minds, to look me up again. That was it. That was my answer to the frustration. Like I said earlier, I want each of you to answer that.

You see it's just that simple. Who are we? It's not about "my sash is Blue and yours is Red and hell that ones got a Black". It's not about "I'm the President and you are a Chair and those two over there always Volunteer". It's about "Colorado Rides with Pride". Pride you say? Yeah damn right, PRIDE. Pride in the fact that we all belong to one of the most influential organizations in our community. Pride in the fact that we work TOGETHER to reach our intended goals. Pride in the fact that someone else is doing something on my behalf that really makes me look good, while I just sit idley by. That's who we are. That's who you are. Acknowledge those who are doing a great job on your behalf. Assist those who aren't. You see I learned many years ago, that in order for one to be successful, it takes 'em all. So the next time your feeling a bit frustrated about CGRA, do something about it. Help to lead this organization and show your Pride in it. That was my choice and I certainly hope it is yours. A cowboy or cowgirl, who always takes the high road, can see more of the valley.

I ask that you take this to heart and help not hurt our organization. You decide who it is that you wish to be. That's your choice. But WE will decide who the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association is. WE will decide our purpose in this community.

Thanks for your time this month and I look forward to seeing each of you at our meeting Friday, February 10th, at Charlie's Denver. Board of Directors will meet at 6:00, followed by the General Membership meeting at 8:00pm. And............. For those of you still in that Group HUG, "It's okay to stop now". Some of you may want to get a room.

Let's Ride
Robert Thurtell
CGRA President
email address removed

 

Ride For The Brand


Vice President

Hello from your Vice President!

Hope all is going well for each of you in this new year. I know it's been busy for me so far, and it's only gonna get busier as we get ready for our upcoming events - including RMRR 30!!

So, with that said, here we go! By the time you get this newsletter, the first event to be held by the 2012 Royalty Team will have come and gone. Mr. CGRA 2012 John Beck organized his first fundraiser for 2012 on Friday, January 27th at Charlie's. He is holding a mock rodeo which will be lots of fun to watch! He's taking the barrel race and pole bending events and turning them into some fun people events. He added a new event called the "Wild Drag Bag". It takes the concept of "suicide drag" to a whole new level. Contestants have to find a bag of drag items somewhere in the bar, put everything on in the bag and then perform a number of John's choosing. It's gonna be a great time!!

We then move into February and we have Valentine Extravaganza 2012 on Saturday, February 11, 2012. This is going to be an extremely great evening! Hope you can all make it out to Charlie's that evening starting at 6pm. More information will be coming out on this event by the VE 2012 Chair Rocky Buruse. Our Ms. CGRA 2012 Paula Scougal has set up her first fundraiser to be held on February 25th at Charlie's Denver. This will be a co-event held with Miss Eryn and Rocky Buruse, Mr. IGRA 2012 1st Runner-up. This will be a great show with the beer bust starting at 7pm and the show starting at 8pm. Please come out and support our Royalty Team this year! I know they would really appreciate it!

Well, that's about it for now as far as the Royalty Team is concerned. As we get more events scheduled I will be updating the Calendar on our Web Page - check it out.

Colorado Rides with Pride!
Rich Valdez
CGRA Vice President

email address removed

 


Secretary

CGRA Membership Meeting - December 9, 2011
Called to Order at: 8:35pm

Motion to approve the minutes: Mary M., 2nd Ty T., Carries

    President: Robert Thurtell
  • Robert T. thanked everyone for help at Nitre of Sharing - great success!
  • Rocky B. has tended his letter of resignation as Fundraising Chair and it's been accepted by BOD.
  • Rocky B. will stay on as special committee chair for VE
  • Nominations are open for new Fundraising chair, election held 1/6/12. Steve Unfer has been nominated.
    Rodeo Director: Mary Munger
  • Razor's Edge awarded stock contract with slight increase in cost from last year
  • BOD approved officials for RMRR30 (same group as RMRR29)
  • St. Anthony's will be back for ambulance service
  • Tentative Rodeo meeting on 1/28/12 - Hamburger Mary's, 11 am.
    Vice President: Rich Valdez
  • Formally announced the 2012 Royalty team: John B., Paula S., and Gia D.
  • Recognized Rocky's IGRA title and kudos to Rocky and Tracey for their work the past year.
    Secretary: CD Slusser
  • No report
    Treasurer: David Hill
  • Motion to approve the Financials: Rich V., 2nd Paula S., Carries
  • CGRA is currently in a cash poor status - need fundraisers!
    Trustee: John Beck
  • Asked about possible attendance for University in January
    Public Relations: Dan Rutledge
  • No report
    Entertainment: Tommy Channel
  • Working on VE entertainment, plans for out-of-town shows, and stay tuned for RMRR#30.
    Rodeo Events: Kim Fry
  • Working on new gymkhana format - stay tuned
  • Practice for Bull Riders starting in December - contact Char Duran for details. Participants and helpers welcome.
  • Suggestions, new ideas for the new year?
  • Possible warm up day for horse events end of January
  • Reminded membership of Jeffco Search & Rescue gymkhanas in late winter
    Membership: John Hill
  • Anyone needing name badges or ladders let John know.
  • Low turnout for first greeter's meeting - will try again in January
  • IGRA showed interest in a "greeter" program
  • Possible Bowling Nite fundraiser for greeter materials
    Royalty: Gia, Paula S. and John B.
  • Ideas for new fundraisers like "Wild Bag Drag"
  • Dance at the Rodeo grounds, Benefit Trail Ride, Work with the kids @ Rainbow Alley
    Special Committees:
  • Rocky B: Next VE meeting - 12/16, 7pm @ Black Crown Lounge
  • Vince M - some tickets remaining for National Western Rodeo, $17 each - please pay promptly
  • Bruce Gros: Gymkhana Standing rules meeting, 12/28, 7pm, Bruce's place.
  • Please submit any By-Laws changes in written, legible form
    Old Business:
  • Voting on RMRR#30 Poster choices, final on vote on top four produced tie. Winner to be chosen from top two via member vote.
    New Business:
  • Dates for 2012 meetings presented thru December.
  • November B-days recognized: Tommy C. (11/9), Rich V. (11/24), Gia (11/27).
  • December B-days recognized: Robert T. (12/1), Kim Fry (12/4), Cheney C. (12/16).
  • New CGRA store is up and running

Election results announced for winning RMRR#30 poster - Poster No. 2.

Meeting adjourned @ 9:31pm

CD Slusser
Secretary
email address removed

 


Trustee

Guess what? The deadline for the newsletter and the fundraiser at Charlie's are the same day! So an early thank you to all of the people who helped with it!

As Mr. CGRA we are having a Beer Bust at the Compound 6 pm - 10 pm Saturday February 4th.

On the other side of the coin, as trustee, don't forget about the Phoenix Rodeo - February 17th - 19th.

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported my event. It was a huge success and seemed like everyone who was there had a great time.

Good luck to all Contestants!! John Beck
Trustee
Mr. CGRA 2012
email address removed

 


Rodeo Director

Hello Folks!

Been a busy New Year, and 5 ½ months away from RMRR 30 when this newsletter hits the press. My duties are on schedule, nothing really to report. Officials approved by the Board of Directors have accepted the invitation, so the 'dream team' is in for another year!

I have been contacted by some folks throughout IGRA that want to volunteer, which is fantastic! CGRA will need 'all hands on deck', so if anyone wants to help out please put them in contact with Rich Valdez.

2002 Royalty Team will be hosting a show the same night of the general membership meeting, February 10, 2012. So, if you haven't checked in for awhile, this is the night to not miss!!!! Mark your calendars for March 31st, the rebirth of the Snow Queen is headed your direction. Stay tuned for further sightings...

I will keep asking all members to stay active in this organization, and know that July 13-15 will be the Greatest Rodeo to ever hit the IGRA circuit!!!! We need your help!!!! The oldest rodeo in IGRA marking 30 years, don't miss out!!!!

Be safe out there,
Mary Munger
Rodeo Director RMRR 30
email address removed

 


Public Relations

I wanted to send out the calender of events that I know of so far. As Sue Anne Hansher does such a great job keeping us updated.

February

3rd White Rose Scholarship at Charlie's show at 8pm, Hosted by Miss CGRA 2012 Gia Diamonte & Miss CGRA 2002 Lushus La'Rell and Empress 38 Stephanie Paul, Princess 38 Madison Monroe Sexton
4th ICRME The College of Cardinals show is set for Feb 4th at Club M 7PM until 12PM, 10th White Rose Scholarship at Charlie's show at 8:00pm hosted by M/M/M CGRA 2002 David Westman, Mary Munger & Lushus La'Rell, benefitting White Rose & CGRA
6th ICRME Court Meeting 1077 Race 7 PM until 10 PM $7.00 per person
11th CGRA Valentine Extravaganza @ Charlie's evening starts at 7pm
12th Majestic Hearts at the Aqua Lounge Dating Game and Shot Night with a Spaghetti Dinner served @ 6pm
18th ICRME Duke and Duchess Show Case A Night of Rock N Roll at the Sock Hop. Hosted by Grand Duke 38 Jim Babb and Grand Duchess 38 Star Bordeaux. Show at 7pm
21st ICRME Parliament Meeting 1077 Race 7 PM
22nd ICRME BOD Meeting 1077 Race 7pm
24th ICRME Imperial Show Hosted by Simon Rump 9pm at Pure. Songs from the 90's
27th Black Tie Affair @ Club M hosted Prince Royale 38 Justin Price and Princess Royale 38 Madison Monroe Sexton, Door at 6pm

March

2nd ICRME Adopted Monarch Show at Charlie's Denver Beer bust at 7pm and Show at 7:30pm. Hosted by Jason Pankey and Kelly Rose
3rd Rocky Mountain Regional International 1pm. Contact Morgan Mercer for more information
3rd ICRME Family Show Hosted by Jason Pankey (His Birthday) @ Compound. More information to follow
4th Closet Ball Details to follow
8th ICRME Candidate review for Emperor and Empress XXXIX at 7pm, 1077 Race St
10th ICRME All Candidates Show more info to follow
22-25th Gender Identity Center of Colorado presents Colorado Gold Rush for more information please visit www.gicofcolo.org

April

1st ICRME Smack A Star
2nd ICRME In Town Awards and Banquet
5th ICRME Meet and Greet and Seattle Show
6th ICRME PR Ball, Out of Town Show and Bus Tour
7th ICRME Coronation 39 info to follow or visit www.DenverCourt.Com
8th ICRME Victory Brunch more info to follow or visit www.DenverCourt.Com

May

5th Majestic Hearts Pageant Red Lion Hotel 4040 Quebec St Door 6pm Pageant at 7pm

July

4th ICRME PR Picnic at Chessmen Park. More info to come
8-10 Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo 30 @ Jefferson County Fairgrounds
27-28 The 25th Annual Official Mr., Ms., and Miss Gay Pride Contest of Colorado
The 25th Annual Contest will is titled: The Silver Jubilee, it will be PICK YOUR THEME from the past 24 years. If you need more information contact Brandi Roberts or Martini Monroe.

Colorado rides with Pride
Dan Rutledge
Public Relations Chair
email address removed

 


Rodeo Events

2012 Gymkhana Schedule

With Jeffco Mounted Search & Rescue
Westernaires Arena, Jefco Fairgrounds
Febuary 12
March 11
April 15

At Adams County 4-H Arena
May 20

At Jeffco Fairgrounds, Rodeo Arena
June 2
July 1
August 4

At Jeffco Fairgrounds, Table View Arena
September 8
August 8
October 7

Kim Fry
Rodeo Events
email address removed

 


Fundraising

Just a brief word of Thanks from all of you for your vote of confidence in me. There is not a lot of time to fulfill my duties, but I will dive in and see how well I can still perform in the "pool" with the sink or swim method. Baptism by Fire, commonly referred to in the Hospital, that I was used to.

I see things going as a fix for this year being, getting the bills paid and getting this rodeo fully paid for. I will need everyone's help in backing our fund raising events. Heading towards the near future will involve getting corporate sponsors, writing proposals, shaking the trees for nuts falling. In the "old" days just going to Chessmen Park and walking or driving around, donations were always available.

If you have any ideas please feel free to contact me

Colorado Rides with Pride
Steve Unfer
Fundraising Chair
email address removed

 


Membership

Hey ya'll. I hope this note finds you all staying warm and enjoying a great start to 2012. We have been doing some work behind the scenes to clean up the responsibilities of the Membership Chair and bring them into the 21st Century, so if you have any interest in these, please don't hesitate to come on out to the February 10th General Membership meeting at Charlie's at 8pm. These updates have already cleared the Bylaws Committee, so now they are open to you for review. The changes weren't major: just some updating of duties that have occurred due to technology (phone/mail vs. email/website), as well as clarifying how the Membership Chair coordinates with the Elections Chair when it comes to elections.

A second set of bylaws changes are on the way in regards to membership types, but those may not be presented to the membership at the February meeting as a couple of ideas are still being worked out and require feedback from the full Board of Directors first. Stay tuned...

At the next BOD meeting, we will also have several new members up for approval. This is a great thing, as membership has dropped off over the past few months. I am happy to report that we are now seeing more folks renewing previous memberships that went inactive and several new members from both in and out of state. I will keep working on ways to make membership more accessible for new and existing members, but the best thing we have going for us is word of mouth. Please talk it up any time anyone asks you about CGRA, and direct them to ShopCGRA.com to seal the deal. It is a very user-friendly website, and should only take five minutes or so to complete.

As always, my mailbox is open to any and all feedback. Please don't hesitate to drop me a note with any suggestions, feedback and (I suppose) complaints. Some of the changes that we are considering were brought to light by member feedback, and I hope to continue that trend.

John Hill
Membership Chair
email address removed


Metro Outreach

Howdy Cowgirls and Cowboys

We made it thru another Year YEAH. Well we started off with a Bang The Stock Show if you missed it you missed a Great Event Thanks Vince for bring us together.

On January 27th John Beck had his 1st show and it was so much fun he had a Rodeo for his event at Charlies, Barrels and Flags and Wild drag bag and that was the Entertainment, OMG I could not stop laughing and what was amazing people from the other part of the bar came down and stayed to see what CGRA was doing and got involved. Thanks John for going outside of the Box and bringing us a Great Event.

In February we have more events to come to. On Feb 3rd CGRA will be joining the Imperial Court at Charlies at 8pm benefitting White Rose Scholarship come out and support.

The Imperial Court will have a show at Club M (Hamburger Mary's). On Feb 4th for the College of Cardinal, at 7pm.

On Feb 10th CGRA will be having their BOD meeting at Charlies at 6pm, Membership meeting is at 8pm, following the meeting Your 10yr CGRA Royalty Team Mary, Luscious, and David will be having a show at Charlies come out and support your family.

This month is so exciting, we have on Saturday the 11th of February Valentine's Extravaganza at Charlies at 7pm, we have auction items and Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction, it will be so much fun, you won't want to miss it.

The Imperial Court is having their Duke and Duchess Ball at Charlies on Feb 18th. show at 8pm.

Ms CGRA 2012 Paula Scougal is having her first show on Feb 28th at 8pm at Charlies come out and support.

Watch out Denver, I heard it through the barn scuttle butt the return of Snow Queen is on its way get your glad bags ready.

Thank You for all your support, if you have any thing that the community has to offer or needs to hear about please call me or send me an email

720-350-6455

Always in Service to the Community

Pauline Chavez
Metro Outreach Chair
email address removed

 


Royalty

Hello fellow brothers and sisters in rodeo, I am pleased to say the entire royalty team will be attending the Phoenix, Arizona rodeo in about 3 weeks. My first show will be held at Charlies Denver on Feb 25th. Miss Erin And Rocky MR. IGRA 1st Runner-up 2011 have graciously allowed to share that evening with me. I hope to see a full house. The Beer Bust will start at 7pm- 10pm and the cost is $8.00 for a red solo cup, it will be filled up to 10pm. So please come out and support us so we can have a great nite with friends and see some great acts in this show. I have several items that will raffled off, so that means more fun. See you there

Paula Scougal
MS. CGRA 2012

 


 


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First posted March 7, 2011
Last update Jan-21-2020