Saturday night, June 25th – A large group of rodeo friends and families rallied to raise money for Wacey Barta, local PRCA Bull rider.  Wacey was severly injured while competing in Safford and is out of work while on the mend.  The Scottsdale Parada committee, the Alford family and Luke & Gina Kraut organized the event which was held at Whiskey River. Several DFCA members rose to the occasion by collecting / donating items for the Silent Auction including BOD Traci Casale, Dave & Patty Byerly and Tiffany Byerly.  The DFCA would like to thank David Poulos of Pendleton Whisky for the generous support by providing PW items to create two gift baskets.  In addition, Pendleton donated a limited edition, signed and numbered Buck Taylor painting that was auctioned live with the more valuable items.  One of the “Parada Boys” (Jake Jacobson) was the lucky bidder on the print.  Luke Kraut, who is best known for his amazing Bullfighting skills, also wowed the crowd as the Live Auctioneer.  With the Silent Auction, Live Auction and 50/50 Raffle, this successful fundraiser resulted in just over $2300 for Wacey and his family.  It was a fun evening for a good cause and there is nothing better than watching our “Rodeo Family” pulling together for a common goal.  Our hats off to everyone that attended and assisted with the event!

Normally, this space is used to print good news, fun stuff, updates, etc.  Unfortunately, that is not the case this time…

DESERT FOOTHILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION – VICTIM OF THEFT

The DFCA has suffered a tremendous loss. Sometime between DFCA meetings held in May and June at the rodeo grounds, the DFCA fell victim to robbery.  A huge “connex box” (large, metal storage container) containing DFCA property was removed from the rodeo grounds.  This is no easy task.  It would take a flat bed with the ability to “wench” the storage unit onto the truck along with the knowledge of how to actually do it, in order to remove the connex box and all its contents.  To further puzzle the DFCA members, no evidence of broken locks, chains, or gates was determined.

Property value stolen is estimated to be between $15,000 to $18,000 and the DFCA members are devasted.  Police reports were filed and the DFCA sincerely hopes the container and all DFCA property will be recovered.

Items known to be missing with actual or replacement values:

Connex box – value $2900, Arena lighting – value $8,000, Mutton bustin’ helmets – value $2,000, chairs and tables – value over $1,000, table cloths, linens, barware and VIP club decorations – value over $1,000, arena signage – value over $1,000

If you have ANY INFORMATION at all in regards to this theft that can lead to the recovery of DFCA property, please contact info@cavecreekprorodeo.com immediately. Reward offered upon DFCA Board approval.

The DFCA donated $1000 to Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors in honor of Wrangler National Patriot Day held Sunday, April 10, 2011.  (Photo available on Charities page)

Our heartfelt and sincere “thank you” to both the Andrus and Hillman families for joining us at the 2011 Cave Creek Fiesta Days Rodeo.  Mark and Kathy Andrus sponsored the Bull Riding trophy buckle in honor of their son, Jesse Andrus.  Mike and Licia Hillman sponsored the Saddle Bronc trophy buckle in honor of their son, Mike Hillman.  (Photos available under “Fiesta Days Photos”)

Thank you to our 2011 FDR National Anthem singers – Emma Smith, Miss Outstanding Teen Cave Creek (Friday night), Kayla Hawkins, DFCA Member (Saturday afternoon), Marissa Vandervort, Miss Outstanding Teen Phoenix (Saturday night) and Staff Sergeant Marquia Giles (Sunday afternoon) – such an amazing group of talented ladies!

The Luke AFB Honor Guard presented the colors on Sunday, April 10th, which was such a tremendous addition to the opening ceremonies for our first Wrangler National Patriot Day!

The DFCA wishes to thank all of our Sponsors, Advertisers, Committee members, Volunteers and our Rodeo Fans for supporting the 2011 Fiesta Days Rodeo.

December 2010 – DFCA donates $2,000.00 to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in honor of “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” held on Sunday, October 10th, 2010. (Photo available on Charities page)

The DFCA receives 3rd place WPRA “Best Footing” award in Vegas during NFR [December 2010].  Traci Casale [DFCA BOD] represented the DFCA and accepted the award at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association luncheon.  Congratulations to the DFCA grounds crew and committee – hard work pays off!

Traci Casale (DFCA BOD) with World Champion Sherry Cervi

The DFCA would like to extend a special thank you to Senator John McCain, Governor Jan Brewer and Felecia Rotellini for attending our 2010 October Pro-Rodeo.

Special guest Senator John McCain

Special guest Governor Jan Brewer

The DFCA hosted “Ride Rank for a Cure” in May 2010.  Thank you to all who helped raise money to fight cancer and support a local cowboy.  In addition to hosting the event, the DFCA donated an additional $500 to Ride Rank in the cowboy’s name.