Ranch owns seven bulls in spring sire report

Kiowa Creek Ranch, Kiowa, owns seven bulls listed in the spring 2010 Sire Evaluation Report published by the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo. Issued in both the spring and fall, the new report features the latest performance information available on 4,607 sires, and is currently accessible at www.angus.org.

Elizabeth Stampede creates a foundation of giving

Bulls, broncs, and barrels can set hearts racing at the Elizabeth Stampede, but the Stampede also lifts hearts through the money it raises and gives back to the community. This altruistic mission is not new for the Stampede. For years the rodeo’s Tough Enough To Wear Pink has raised thousands of dollars for local breast cancer charities, and members have opened their hearts and their pocket books to people in need of assistance.

The Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Association is proud to announce it is taking its charitable work to the next level by forming the Elizabeth Stampede Foundation 501(c)(3). Spurred by the desire to share the generosity of those that support the rodeo each year, the foundation was created to provide contributions to the community of Elizabeth and surrounding communities, charitable organizations and individuals in need with funds generated through financial donations and fundraising efforts.

“As a volunteer, so many times at our meetings we have passed a bucket around the room to raise funds for local people who need some help. We have raised quite a large amount of money to help them out,” said Norm Almquist, Stampede president. “The foundation now allows us to focus that core strength toward funding and award monies to people in our area who need help. In addition giving businesses an opportunity to contribute, they will now have a tax-based donation to a good local cause.”

In addition to events and activities at the annual rodeo, other fundraising events and activities will take place throughout the year to generate funds to be disbursed to applicants approved by the foundation. "The foundation will be the trail in which the generosity of others will be returned to the community of Elizabeth, and its neighbors, enabling us to preserve the western legacy of providing support and assistance to those in need,” said Joanne Hoefer, foundation secretary.

A dedicated board well positioned to help a diverse group of individuals will govern the foundation. The board members will be Norm Almquist, director; Jace Glick, treasurer; Joanne Hoefer, secretary; and members Kathy Sweigert, Buddy Cox, JJ Heim, Bill Snead, Ron Vermillion and Rob Wolf.

“Whether its awarding scholarships for continued education, donating to charities, or just simply offering a little financial support to a family in need, the foundation will reach the lives of many," said Buddy Cox, foundation board member.

Applications are available to request funds, as well as suggestions taken from individuals to donate to specific causes. All donations, scholarships and awards will be approved by a majority vote of the board members.

Being a newly formed organization, donations are vital to the strength of the foundation. Realizing that it is tough for individuals to give in these uncertain times, the Elizabeth Stampede Foundation graciously asks that you make it a part of your charitable donations. With an all-volunteer staff, you can be assured that the entire donation will support a worthy cause.

Send a check or money order to the Elizabeth Stampede Foundation, P.O. Box 1062, Elizabeth, CO 80107 and be a part of making the Elizabeth Foundation’s financial contributions grow. Please note Elizabeth Stampede Foundation donation on your check or money order.

Thank you in advance for being an influential part in the success of the foundation. For questions regarding the Elizabeth Stampede Foundation visit www.elizabethstampede.com or contact Joanne Hoefer, 303-632-8052 or Foundation@elizabethstampede.com.