e h t behind chutes fall 2015
table PAGE ONE
Hall of Fame
page two
$2.6 Million to Texas Youth page three
BBQ Auction & Concert page four
Rodeo Austin Scholars
contents page five & six
Rodeo Austin Volunteers page seven & eight
Volunteer Awards
page nine
What’s New
page ten
Stock Show Spotlight
let’s get social Connect with Rodeo Austin on social media to find upcoming events and receive the inside scoop on contests and giveaways. Become a Rodeo Austin fan - Don’t miss out!
www.facebook.com/rodeoaustin www.twitter.com/rodeoaustin www.youtube.com/rodeoaustin www.instagram.com/rodeoaustin
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS Brian Lehne, President Eddie Ledesma, President-Elect Lance Lively, Secretary-Treasurer AT-LARGE Keith Berdoll Brian Hill Steve Jennings David Kardosz KaLyn Laney Stacy Looney Craig Teykl Brian Yarbrough
PAST PRESIDENTS Travis Asklund Hap Feuerbacher Bryan Teich Shaun Tuggle Gilbert Turrieta Stan Voelker Fred Weber Kerry Wiggins
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Bucky Lamb 9100 Decker Lake Road Austin, Texas 78724 512-919-3000 phone 512-919-3005 fax RodeoAustin.com Info@RodeoAustin.com Cover art by Paul Lanquist Photographs by Mark Matson, Kirt Steinke and Susan Beth Sloan, Show Photo by Katina COPYRIGHT © 2015 RODEO AUSTIN
hall of fame
The Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member of Rodeo Austin. On April 27, Rodeo Austin volunteers, staff and leadership gathered to honor two distinguished long-time leaders, Hadley Barrett and Stan Voelker, as they were presented with this honor. A Rodeo Austin Past President, Voelker led the charge that propelled the Austin Travis County Livestock Show into a regional event. He also formed a buyer’s group entitled Pappa Cluck Buyers Group that has raised more than half a million dollars for Texas students. Barrett, four-time ProRodeo Announcer of the Year, has been the voice of Rodeo Austin for more than 20 years. Barrett has announced nearly every major rodeo in the last 55 years. Barrett and Voelker joined 14 other members in the Rodeo Austin Hall of Fame. Each was presented with a one of a kind bronze plaque that will be on display year-round at the Dr. Charles W. Graham Western Heritage Center.
Page 1one
$2.6 million to texas youth
With a nonprofit mission of Promoting Youth Education - Preserving Western Heritage, Rodeo Austin strives to help Texas youth dream big. In 2015, Rodeo Austin awarded $2.6 million to the youth of Texas, setting a new record for the nonprofit organization. Forty-one Texas students were awarded a total of $512,000 in scholarships to universities and colleges around the state. Additionally, Rodeo Austin raises funds through educational programs such as the Youth Auction.
The Youth Auction celebrates the hard work of Texas youth by awarding money to students who compete in Rodeo Austin’s Junior Livestock and Youth Western Art Shows. This year’s Youth Auction raised more than $1.2 million, which was awarded to 400 exhibitors. Rodeo Austin is proud to make a difference in the lives of young Texans. Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and donors who help us impact the lives of these students!
2
BB Q auction rodeo
TM
austin
&
concert
Join Rodeo Austin on November 14, 2015 for the BBQ Auction & Concert at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Headlining the event is Radney Foster, an artist known for his hybrid style of mainstream country and independent Americana. Tickets start as low as $28 and can be purchased at RodeoAustin.com. Proceeds from the event go toward Rodeo Austin’s mission of Promoting Youth Education - Preserving Western Heritage.
3
event schedule 5:30 p.m. - Cocktails & Silent Auction, Doors Open to Floor & Mezzanine Level 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - BBQ Dinner Served 7:00 p.m. - Live Auction 7:30 p.m. - Doors Open to Balcony Level 8:30 p.m. - Radney Foster
Scholar
Rather than turning inward, Havlin continued to participate in the activities she and her father once held dear. She made the middle school basketball and volleyball teams and found a new passion in theatre. “My dad was so proud,” said Havlin. “After a few years, the medicines that improve your body started to affect his mental state. It was difficult because my father had to choose if he wanted to be himself mentally or be able to move the way he wanted to.” In the spring of that year, her father passed away from the disease, leaving her family in a tough emotional and financial place. “I started thinking about college, but my options seemed very limited,” said Havlin. “It was tough that I couldn’t dream big like I wanted to.”
spotlight
But then, Havlin received word that not only would she be receiving a $16,000 scholarship, but that it was from a place that brought her so much joy growing up – Rodeo Austin.
Dana Havlin • The University of Texas Many Austin-area children grow up attending Rodeo Austin and look back at the event with fond memories. For Rodeo Austin scholarship recipient Dana Havlin, the relationship goes much deeper. A native Austinite, Havlin grew up in a tight knit family in the South Austin community. Her childhood centered around her family and love of basketball, something she and her father shared. However, Havlin’s idyllic childhood was rocked by a diagnosis. Her 40-year-old, larger-than-life father was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s when she was in third grade. “It was a defining part of my life,” said Havlin. “It was difficult, because my father was so active and energetic, yet his body could no longer keep up with him. My family downsized, as he was placed on disability and we had to depend on my mom’s job as a preschool principal.”
“Without Rodeo Austin’s help, I wouldn’t be able to attend my dream school, the University of Texas,” said Havlin. “I knew about the scholarship program, but I didn’t know the extent of it. I honestly can’t begin to express how much the scholarship has done for me.” Havlin is studying speech pathology in the school of communications, and hopes to work with victims of brain injuries or motor neuron disorders like her father. Her father worked with a speech pathologist due to his condition, which gave Havlin the desire to help people going through similar situations. Havlin’s aspirations don’t stop there. “I’m currently looking into slam poetry and a couple of community theatre projects,” she said. “I’m also interested in student government and can’t wait to play intramural basketball. Rodeo Austin helped me make my dream a reality and I plan to stay busy and take full advantage of the opportunity that was given to me.”
rodeo austin class of 2016 Texas 4-H Foundation Abigail Davis Rachel Gibbs Sevanna Stewart Coy Westbrook
St. Edward’s University Kevin Alvarado Brittany Adams Tarleton State University Hunter Smith
Texas FFA Foundation Shannon Butler Blane Counsil Garrett Kale Chloe Wilson
Texas A&M University Jeb Hogan Jensen Martinez Kyle Ramsey
Austin Community College Phillip Ochoa Sara Nieto-Martinez
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine Gaylon Wilmeth Kaitlyn Wilkins
Huston-Tillotson University Christian Price Sam Houston State University Samantha Woods David Eller
Texas State University Ryan Walther Dylan Bradshaw Jenna Winter
Texas Tech University Michael Rivas Hayley Bates Emma Chachere Logan Mustian Kaylyn Kiker West Texas A&M University Brice Boyd Lindsey Lamkin University of Texas Dana Havlin Jelsey Martinez Jennifer Hartl Brittnee Limuel Lydia Martinez Carolyna Ososrio Mason Tyler-Nyman Archer Hadley Miss Rodeo Austin Chloe Costello Destinee Brown
4
v o l u n t e e r s TM
5
volunteer
Ultimately, what keeps Anderson motivated is Rodeo Austin’s mission of Promoting Youth Education – Preserving Western Heritage. “Obtaining a college education has always been important, and it’s becoming even more so in this day and age,” he said. “I want to be able to look back and say I had a hand in giving someone that opportunity.” The subject of youth education is especially relevant for Anderson, as he considers what the future has in store for his son August. August has become somewhat of a figurehead at Rodeo Austin, as his love for the event has gone viral through several YouTube videos.
spotlight
Joel Anderson • Rodeo Austin Gala Chair
“A lot of people ask me why I do this, and it’s honestly about paying it forward,” said Anderson. “If I don’t take the responsibility now, who am I to expect anyone else pick up the torch in the future if my son was ever in the position to depend on a scholarship in order to obtain his education.”
As the saying goes, a happy wife is a happy life. Joel Anderson, chair of the Rodeo Austin Gala Committee, first got involved with the nonprofit organization when his wife, Jennifer Anderson, started volunteering in 2005.
Anderson’s passion for Rodeo Austin is evident in his willingness to support the organization in whatever capacity is needed. When asked to take on a new role as Chair of the Rodeo Austin Gala Committee, he stepped up to the task.
“My wife was referred to Rodeo Austin by a coworker who knew she had shown livestock at Rodeo Austin and encouraged her to volunteer,” said Anderson. “After a year on the Ambassadors Committee she was asked to be a vice chair. Anyone that’s married knows that my best move was to join the committee as a volunteer to help her.”
“Although Gala is new to me, I want to see my committee put on the best Gala ever, by doing the most good, raising the most money and getting the Rodeo Austin name out to more of the Austin area public,” said Anderson. “Both Rodeo Austin and the city of Austin are growing incredibly fast, and we need to continue our community outreach to make sure we grow with the city and cement ourselves as leaders in the community.”
Anderson enjoyed the volunteer work and got to know Rodeo Austin on a deeper level. Even after Jennifer reduced her volunteer hours to raise their son, August, Anderson remained an integral part of the Ambassadors Committee. “One day, I got a call from a Rodeo Austin staff member asking me to be the vice chair of Ambassadors,” said Anderson. “I said I would do it under one condition – that I would never be asked to chair the committee. The next year they asked me to be chair, and I’ve been serving in that role ever since.” Since then, Anderson has held numerous leadership roles with both the Ambassadors and Membership Committees and is entering his third year on the Rodeo Austin Board of Directors. “One of my favorite projects as a volunteer was the introduction of Junior Leaders to Rodeo Austin,” said Anderson. “It has been extremely rewarding to get to know the future of not just the Rodeo, but the state of Texas. I’m honored to have been a part of implementing that program in its early stages.”
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers like Anderson, there’s no doubt that Rodeo Austin can achieve these goals and continue to make a difference in the lives of Texas youth.
6
volunteer awards top hand award
dauphen Jackson
Top Junior Leader committeeman of the year Rick Roberts, BBQ
lone ranger award John Lewis, Lewis Sign
mikael huerta
7
media partner of the year Amy Villarreal, KEYE-TV & Telemundo Austin
most dedicated committee chair
Bullet proof - steven voelker
most dedicated committee vice chair
Ambassadors - steve jennings
top committee members Laurie Chandler, Fashion & Fine Art Jamie Evans, Youth Auction Glenn George, Operations Kristin Gilstrap, 100X Ben Haley, Cowboy Breakfast Laura Hayes, Rodeo Austin Gala
Allan Jones, Souvenir Charlie Leseman, Rodeo Jason Magdalena, Bullet Proof Alesha Marburger, Backstage Patti Maund, Shoot Out Danny McDaniel, Competitive Events
Laquita Nauert, Acts & Exhibits Matt Noles, Ambassadors Robert Ochoa, Calf Scramble Rick Roberts, BBQ Joel Valdez, Event Staff
8
What’s new? CLUB ACCESS
Club access is an annual membership that provides season ticket holders with the opportunity to gain access to the Founders Club and 100X Club. Rodeo Austin fans can add this benefit on to their purchase of season tickets. For $1,000, your purchase upgrades four season tickets to provide you with access to both clubs.
PREMIER parking
Premier Parking is a parking option that offers one of the best parking locations for Rodeo Austin guests. Located behind the rodeo arena and next to the 100X Club, Premier Parking offers a guaranteed spot for all 15 days of the Fair and Rodeo. Anyone can purchase this benefit for $250 per spot.
season tickets Enjoy 15 nights of rodeo action, get up close and personal with bulls, broncs and cowboys every night! Packages are sold in sets of four and offer guaranteed premier seating for every rodeo and concert performance
9
Stock show
food science department, Zanolini met his wife. Both received master’s degrees from Texas Tech, with Zanolini specializing in sheep production. While working on his master’s, Zanolini obtained a job at Wilbarger County as a County Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development. He fell in love with the job, and eventually transitioned to be the County Extension Agent in Madison County in 2007 while he worked on his PhD at Texas A&M University. “It’s a great feeling to know that somewhere out there there’s a kid that needs a shot to get involved in something like 4-H or FFA,” said Zanolini. “I take it very seriously every day because I know it can re-route their paths and open doors for their futures.”
spotlight
Dr. Billy Zanolini • 4-H Youth Livestock and Agriculture Specialist From the time his feet hit the floor at 4:39 a.m. every morning, Billy Zanolini, 4-H Youth Livestock and Agriculture Specialist, is thinking about work. Not dreading it like you might expect, but excited about what he can accomplish. “My mind races with what opportunities I can create, what relationships need to be built, what networking needs to be done, what programs we are not providing and audiences are we not reaching and what messages do we need to tell people that don’t know about us,” said Zanolini. “It’s not just a job – I feel it’s my calling to utilize the programs to help kids today, just like it helped me years ago.” Growing up in the middle of the wine country in California, raising livestock wasn’t nearly as prevalent as it is in Texas. Nevertheless, Billy Zanolini fell in love with showing animals. “When I was eight years old, my mom took me to a 4-H meeting and I immediately was hooked,” said Zanolini. “My older sister was involved also and she set a good example for me to follow. It was something we enjoyed doing as a family.” As a child, Zanolini started showing sheep, and as he got older he graduated to cattle and pigs. At the young age of 16 he got into the hog business, raising up to 130 show pigs a year on his family’s land.
When the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service opened a position in 2012 called the 4-H Youth Livestock and Agriculture Specialist for the first time in history of Texas 4-H, Zanolini leapt at the opportunity. “I just can’t believe they pay me to do this,” said Zanolini. “To be able to go from an 8-year-old kid passionate about livestock projects to where I am now is amazing. I feel that I owe the industry a lot, because I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now if not for the experiences I had through 4-H.” In his role, he provides support to County Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers across the state, and coordinates advocacy and leadership programs for youth. His work on collaborative partnerships with livestock shows is what connects him to Rodeo Austin. “I’m entering my fifth show with Rodeo Austin, and I absolutely love what the show stands for,” said Zanolini. “The opportunities they provide Texas youth are phenomenal. It’s so valuable to our society that we have a place that provides a level playing field and an environment in which kids can learn about responsibility and competition. You have young people that come in the ring that are respectful, that know how to get their hands dirty and work hard to be there. The big payoff is that you have wonderful organizations like Rodeo Austin rewarding them for that!” Here’s to working together to make a difference in the lives of Texas youth!
“It definitely wasn’t something anyone else in my high school was doing,” said Zanolini. “I enjoyed breeding and raising animals, many of which I sold to my classmates. That’s what really started my passion for animal science, genetics and agriculture.” “I had never been to Texas, and when I arrived in Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University it was a change of scenery and culture,” said Zanolini. “Although I was shocked by the landscape, it was a place I grew to love very quickly, especially the people.” While finishing up his undergraduate degree in the animal and
10
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
AUSTIN, TX PERMIT #138
9100 Decker Lake Road Austin, Texas 78724 RodeoAustin.com
save the date november 14
BBQ Auction & Concert ACL Live at the Moody Theater
january 23
Fashion & Fine Art Bullock Texas State History Museum
february 6
Rodeo Austin Gala Palmer Events Center Cowboy Breakfast The Long Center for the Performing Arts
march 4 march 4-5
BBQ Austin Travis County Expo Center
march 12-26
Rodeo Austin Travis County Expo Center
visit rodeoaustin.com