Well, that sure happened fast. 2021 is officially in the record books, and the world is getting back to more normal(ish) after the continuing saga of the pandemic. I am not sure that things will get back to what “normal” was in 2019, but the Board will embrace and thrive in the new normal whatever it turns out to be, especially when a group of optimistic can-do individuals embracing the “Cowboy Way” are assembled. Welcome to new Board Member Tracy Beers.

In reviewing some of the key words and phrases behind the “Cowboy Way”, a few descriptors really stand out:

• Your Word Is Your Bond - Honesty, integrity, making commitments and sticking to them.
• Freedom to Fail... and to Succeed - Opportunities to try something new,         persistence, commitment, and envisioning success.
• Fierce Loyalty - Sticking by your friends, recognizing those who have invested into you.
• Quiet Confidence - Humility, self-reliance and the ability to determine your own destiny.
• Stewardship of Resources - Leaving the trail better than you found it.

The Foundation is in good hands.

It’s been a dynamic year, the mortgage was paid off, the Foundation held very successful events with the A Night of Celebration (Rendezvous Light), the Spencer Miller Tribute, the Golf Tournament and the Winter Buckle Series. The Foundation has an involved and invested Board of Directors and the relationship with the Pikes Peak Range Riders has never been better. 

It’s important to recognize the key people behind this success.

The Foundation is blessed to have Natalie Field as the Administrative Director. Natalie not only manages the accounting and reporting, but she is also the event coordinator, manages the board meetings and assures that key actions are addressed and completed. On top of that, she provides some services as a volunteer. The Foundation owes much of the success to Natalie’s untiring efforts.

Bob Harrison is the Cowboy behind the Cowboy Way. His management of the facility and the events has been steady, responsible and professional. He always gets it done.

Jack Roe and Keegan Edwards are our unsung heroes. Their efforts in the background keep things running smoothly. Their names may not be on the marquis signs, but you sure would know if they weren’t there.

Kenny Backstrand and the crew at the Latigo Grill also play a key role in the success at Latigo. The Grill has truly become part of the family friendly fabric of Latigo, and the events and programming are more successful as a result.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Biggs Kofford, Riviera Electric and Beers Construction. All three companies saddled up again in 2021 to provide key services at discount or on a pro-bono basis. The parking lot construction, electric maintenance and other services are valued and appreciated.

The Foundation recently received a relatively significant and anonymous contribution from “an old cowboy” that wanted to support youth participating in rodeo and “cowboy” activities with his estate. The Foundation was a perfect fit. This gift was from someone that hasn’t been part of the typical Foundation giving circles, and it really touched me that he wanted to share this gift in the pursuit of the Foundation mission.

The Foundation is blessed with the very generous gifts from dozens – probably now close to 100 – benefactors since the inception of the Foundation. These gifts have enabled the Foundation to exist, grow and thrive. It wasn’t a sure thing at the outset, but the Foundation is now on very solid footing and has made and is continuing to make a difference in the youth that are engaged in their activities. 

Range Rider Tom Collier left a meaningful gift several years ago that set the basis for the Rangerette Scholarship Fund that continues to award and support eligible youth. Please consider a small gift in your annual planning and in your estate planning. Your gift in any amount will be treasured and appreciated. We need to keep this idea alive and perpetual.

Scott Smith, Board President
January 2022