Established in 1998, the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation is made up of an eight member Board of Directors who volunteer their time and expertise to spread awareness of the Foundation and its purpose, to raise funds, and to manage and distribute those funds to contestants in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. It is the goal of the Foundation to provide an educational scholarship to each pageant contestant and to make the funds self perpetuating in order to continue to enhance the educational opportunities for future contestants.
Miss Rodeo America 2009 will receive a $10,000 educational scholarship provided by the Foundation and Las Vegas Events so that she may continue her education following the completion of her reign. Runners-up, category award winners and others will receive scholarships in varying amounts. This year the Foundation will award four $1,000 scholarships which will be given by a random drawing from those contestants that do not receive a category or other scholarship and members of the WPRA will award a chap scholarship during the PRCA Luncheon.
The Foundation also sponsors the annual Foundation Dinner held on Sunday night. After a day of personal interviews, photogenic photo shoots, media interviews and rehearsals the contestants enjoyed a steak dinner topped off with cream filled puff pastries. Contestants wore long sleeved Wrangler brand blouses embroidered with the official Wrangler logo and Wrangler pants.
On behalf of Foundation President Trish Fulcher, who was unable to attend the event, Foundation Vice President Kelly Baxley opened the dinner with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Baxley introduced Tracy Damrell, Executive Board President, and the Board of Director members who were in attendance and gave a brief overview of the Foundation's purpose. He presented Glenn Klaus, the newest Foundation board member, with the official Foundation lapel pin. Reigning Miss Rodeo America Amy Wilson thanked the Foundation for the scholarships she will receive that will allow her to continue her education and gave the meal blessing.
Throughout the course of the Foundation's history many have served on the Foundation Board and in partnership with the Foundation to raise funds and awareness. Deb Dilley presented Mr. and Mrs. John and Anne Greer with a gift in appreciation for the commitment they have made to enhance the Foundation throughout the years.
Following the meal and presentations each contestant received a custom embroidered Miss Rodeo America 2009 Pageant briefcase from Buck's Bags and a Lip Sense products from Ina Ginsberg. It was then time to take their written test and turn in so they will be well rested for Monday's horsemanship competition.
To learn more about the Foundation please visit the Miss Rodeo America website.
