At the heart of the Hood County Stampede is a deep commitment to ensuring that the children in our community are seen, supported, and given opportunities they might not otherwise have. Every year, through our Charity Rodeo, Diamonds & Denim Gala, and other initiatives, we channel our efforts into making a positive impact on the lives of local kids and their families.
We do this by donating to specially selected beneficiaries that support children and families, offer scholarships, and address immediate community needs that meet our mission, such as providing food for local school programs when there was a deficit. But something that has become one of our favorite traditions in recent years, is something most don't get to see or even know about, is the special experience we offer to a select group of local kids at our Charity Rodeo in May.
In partnership with the Liberty & Loyalty Foundation, we invite these kids, who are a part of different organizations we work with, for a unique behind-the-scenes experience. While Texas, and Hood County in particular, is rich in agriculture and ranching, many of these kids have never had an opportunity to even interacted with a horse. We take them behind the chutes and give them an up-close experience, where they can talk to our team about rodeo or ranching, pet the horses, and even ride some of the horses. This interaction is not just fun—it offers therapeutic benefits, create interest and intrigue into a world they've never know, and allow them to make positive core memories with friends & family.
Additionally, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we also provide the group with a meal and some swag to remember the day. Seeing these kids smile, have fun, and feel a part of something special is what drives us at the Hood County Stampede. We are honored to give back to the community that supports us, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.