In the midst of a tough financial year, the Northwest College Rodeo Council rounded up 240 contributors Feb. 7 for the NWC Rodeo Gala, the biggest fundraiser for the college rodeo team.
Last year, when the local economy was booming, 300 people attended.
The evening began with a cocktail hour and music by the Bobby Chitwood Band. Cody Proctor, a rodeo team member (and Trail staff writer), sang the Star Spangled Banner.
Rob Stothart, instructor of English and co-academic-advisor for the rodeo team, welcomed the gala attendees and introduced NWC administrators and staff in attendence, who included President Prestwich, Vice Presidents Mark Kitchen, Dana Young, and Sher Hruska; Shelby Wetzel, Terri Ward, Heather Kobbe and Carolyn Danko of the board of trustees.
“In the beginning it started out that we weren’t going to do it,” said Coach Del Nose. “But [we] found the Powell and Cody communities’ loyalty, that they were looking forward to it, so we did it. We had awesome sponsors, lots of fun, and good food. There was lots of hard work put in by the council and we would like to thank them very much including sponsors, auction donors, supporters, and everyone else involved.”
A prime rib dinner, complete with sides and dessert, was served buffet style.
Rodeo team members Kaycee Hodges, Cody Proctor, Pam Vanek, and Kaitlin Keller were recognized for earning a 3.0 GPA in the first semester.
Tia Brannen, Tyson Twitchell, Cody Proctor, Casey Good and Gus Thoreson received dark blue rodeo jackets for earning more than 400 points this season.
Coach Del Nose noted that more jackets would be awarded to other members reaching the 400-point mark by the end of the season.
Travis Swenson, a local businessman and auctioneer, took bids on items that were auctioned live included artwork, bronzes, jewelry, a Cody Stampede Commemorative Rifle, a trip to Yellowstone Park, a custom fire pit and a fly rod and reel.
Other crowd pleasers in the live auction included a miniature horse and donkey along with two Montana antelope hunts. Rodeo team members displayed each of the items as they were being auctioned off.
The auction wrapped up with the sale of six prime ribs. The live auction brought in just more than $8,000.
Jewelry, Western artwork and books, horse tack, and various housewares sold at silent auction. This auction brought in an approximate total of $7,800.
Funds raised from the Gala provide the rodeo team with scholarships, travel funds, livestock and rodeo schools with professional competitors.
“We are looking forward to next year with the 10th anniversary,” said Nose. “We are going to get creative and have a better party next year with surprise guests.”