Catholic Charities Night at the Rodeo roped in support for those in need
It was a little before a cowboy barreled out of a chute, riding a bucking bronco, when Father Randy Dollins led a prayer Wednesday night with a stadium of onlookers.
Before a hushed audience, he prayed for the nation and thanked God for the gift of animals at the beginning of Catholic Charities of Denver’s Night at the Rodeo. The Harmonic Minors choir, members of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, followed by singing the National Anthem.
The National Western Stock Show and Catholic Charities partnered to bring a night of roping, wrestling and riding at the Denver Coliseum Jan. 18. It was the first time for the partnership when a portion of the ticket sales from the ProRodeo went to benefit Catholic Charities’ work to serve the poor and needy.
See more photos from Catholic Charities Night at the Rodeo here.
Father Dollins, vicar general for the Archdiocese of Denver, also rode inside a stagecoach with Larry Smith, president and CEO of Catholic Charities. They waved to the crowd as their names were announced and six horses pulled the stagecoach around the stadium.
Some children of Catholic Charities’ employees participated in the Mutton Bustin’ tradition. Children gripped on to the backs of sheep as they dashed across the grounds. Rodeo queens and cowboys handed them trophies before an applauding crowd.
For each group ticket sold that night, $3 went to support Catholic Charities.
Thank You!
Thanks to attendees at Catholic Charities Night at the Rodeo, the National Western Stock Show donated a portion of tickets sales to support the charitable organization's work to help those in need. Consider other ways to give by visiting ccdenver.org/waystogive.
