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

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

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.

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.

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.

No report

Motion to approve the Financials: Rich V., 2nd Paula S., Carries
CGRA is currently in a cash poor status - need fundraisers!

Asked about possible attendance for University in January

No report

Working on VE entertainment, plans for out-of-town shows, and stay tuned for RMRR#30.

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

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

Ideas for new fundraisers like "Wild Bag Drag"
Dance at the Rodeo grounds, Benefit Trail Ride, Work with the kids @ Rainbow Alley

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

Voting on RMRR#30 Poster choices, final on vote on top four produced tie. Winner to be chosen from top two via member vote.

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

CGRA Newsletter

February, 2012

Reports

Valentine's Extravaganza 2012 "Love in the Loft"

President

Ride For The Brand

Vice President

Secretary

Trustee

Rodeo Director

Public Relations

February

March

April

May

July

Rodeo Events

Fundraising

Membership

Metro Outreach

Royalty