Document File

Auburn Circular Club Pro Rodeo Roundup

Developed by Jessica Johnson Frazier, Eastern Kentucky University, and Patricia H. Mounce, University of Central Arkansas

THE BUSINESS SITUATION When Shelley Jones became president-elect of the Circular Club of Auburn, Kansas, she was asked to suggest a new fundraising activity for the club. After a considerable amount of research, Shelley proposed that the Circular Club sponsor a professional rodeo. In her presentation to the club, Shelley said that she wanted a fundraiser that would : (1) continue to get better each year, (2) give back to the community, and (3) provide the club a presence in the community. Shelley’s goal was to have an activity that would become an “annual community event” and that would break even the first year and raise $5,000 the following year. In addition, based on the experience of other communities, Shelley believed that a rodeo could grow in popularity so that the club would eventually earn an average of $20,000 annually. A rodeo committee was formed. Shelley contacted the world’s oldest and largest rodeo-sanctioning agency to apply to sponsor a professional rodeo. The sanctioning agency requires a rodeo to consist of the following five events: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Bareback Riding, Bronco Riding, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding, and Calf Roping.

Because there were a number of team ropers in the area and because they wanted to include females in the competition, members of the rodeo committee added Team Roping and Women’s Barrels. Prize money of $3,000 would be paid to winners in each of the seven events. Members of the rodeo committee contracted with RJ Cattle Company, a livestock contractor on the rodeo circuit, to provide bucking stock, fencing, and chutes.

Realizing that costs associated with the rodeo were tremendous and that ticket sales would probably not be sufficient to cover the costs, the rodeo committee sent letters to local businesses soliciting contributions in exchange for various...