Sometimes it seems as if the Junior League of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo are inseparable. Since 1957, dedicated League members have peddled souvenir programs at each Rodeo performance.
Fondly referred to as "yelling and selling," members" efforts have substantially funded the League's various charitable projects over the years.
This year, however, the Junior League is taking its involvement with the annual event to a new level as it hosts the first Grand Entry Gala to usher in the 117th Annual Stock Show and Rodeo.
"Two-Stepping for a Cause" will kick off this year's Stock Show and Rodeo on Jan. 12 in grand fashion, complete with dinner, dancing and live music, all set to the Western ambiance of the Will Rogers Memorial Center.
Sandra Tuomey, League president, says the idea for a gala originated while members were brainstorming about new revenue streams.
"It started about a year ago when we realized we needed a way to raise additional money to put back into the community," she says. "We asked our membership, and they overwhelmingly voted to have a gala, and they wanted it to be incorporated into the rodeo."
Tuomey is appreciative of community support for the event. Besides a League-member steering committee, the Burnett Foundation and Anne and John Marion, among others, have all stepped in to ensure the event's success.
Brad Barnes, president and general manager of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, says the League has long played an important role in the annual event and this year even more so.
"We were pleased to be able to assist the ladies with this kick-off party to help celebrate that it's Stock Show time in Fort Worth," he says.
Tuomey is especially optimistic that the gala will become a tradition.
"It's something Fort Worth doesn't have right now, and we thought it would be something new to bring to the community," she says.
But, she points out, the ultimate reason for hosting such a grand gala lies in the funds it will generate.
"All of our fundraisers go into our project fund, and the gala funds will as well," Tuomey said.
"The Fort Worth Junior League has a very well-respected reputation for their generosity and charity work within the community, and we are proud to play a small part in their good works," Barnes said.
The Grand Entry Gala will take place on Saturday, Jan. 12, with table sponsorships available ranging from $2,500 to $50,000. All table purchases can be made on-line at the Junior League of Fort Worth Web site, juniorleaguefw.org.
