SALINAS VALLEY — California Rodeo Salinas has demonstrated its commitment to the community by contributing $771,020 this year to various local nonprofit organizations, Western industry groups and other community associations.
This figure marks a substantial increase of 36% compared to donations made in 2022.
“This is our largest annual community donation to date, and we are proud to have such a profound impact on local nonprofits and other organizations who help us preserve the Western lifestyle and execute our events,” said Fred Hooker, president of the California Rodeo Salinas.
Factors contributing to the rise include increased Rodeo attendance, inaugural donations to VetTix, increased scholarship funds and allocating additional volunteer positions to local organizations.
The grand total also encompasses reduced rates for facility rentals and the provision of complimentary tickets to further support the community.
Donations were earned by groups that undertook a wide range of responsibilities, such as managing parking, selling food, ushering guests and more during events produced by the California Rodeo Association from October 2022 to September 2023.
Some of the nonprofits and other groups who benefit from these donations include Alisal High School Boosters, California High School Rodeo District 4, Filipino Community of Salinas Valley, First Tee Monterey County, Knights of Columbus, Monterey Bay Veterans, Rotary Club of Salinas Valley, Salinas High School Baseball, Salinas Valley Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, Soledad ROTC, Sun Street Centers and the Grower-Shipper Association Foundation.
The full list of recipients can be found at carodeo.com/p/about-us/community/spenthere.
Representatives from 23 organizations received their checks on Sept. 13 and thanked the California Rodeo Association for helping them pay for uniforms, facility and field improvements, transportation, travel, scholarships, leadership training, education and other enrichment opportunities.
California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West. It supports nonprofit and other community organizations through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and year-round operations of the Salinas Sports Complex.
The 114th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 18-21, 2024. For more information, visit CARodeo.com or call 831-775-3100.
