Produced by Rodeo Fame and Forever Cowboys, the 5th Annual Legacy of the West Gala will take place October 28 in Ft. Worth, Texas at the legendary Billy Bob’s. The awards and charity event is a fundraiser to unite the western industry and support anti-trafficking efforts, with an emphasis on the foster community and at-risk individuals.
Gala History
What began in 2018 as a special red carpet event during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada has grown into a unique event in its fifth year at a new venue with new opportunities. In total since 2018, this effort has raised more than $200,000 to support aged-out foster children and ensure we put a stop to human trafficking.
After two years in Las Vegas during the NFR, the gala followed the 10 biggest nights of rodeo to Texas in 2020 during COVID. The event was not canceled in the midst of the pandemic, but it was moved to the River Ranch in the Ft. Worth Stockyards. In 2021, the event returned to Las Vegas with the NFR, and over $58,000 were raised at the gala to aid in the fight against human trafficking. The most recent LOTW award winners from 2021 include Christy Burleson, Innovative Photographer; Western Sports Foundation, Raise the Bar; Jackie Crawford, Women’s Lasting Impact; Anthony Lucia, Trailblazer; JR Vezain, All Grit; Dougie Hall, Difference Maker; Chancey Williams, Legacy of the West; Cowboy Channel, Media Excellence; and Cody DeMers, Jr. Roughstock Association Ambassador.
2022 Legacy of The West Gala
Moving this year’s gala to Ft. Worth in October is a move made in hopes of bringing more awareness to the event and its worthy cause. Over 70% of trafficking victims come from the foster system, and 80% of aged-out foster kids are sex trafficked. The 2022 LOTW gala aims to raise $100,000 to support anti-trafficking, foster children, and the Mile Stone Ranch program, which helps these children get the help they need. Partners helping produce this charity event include Bronc Riding Nation, Smarty, and Cowpoke Designs.
The theme of the gala is ‘Black & White, dress attire is semi-formal and it is sure to be a wonderful evening with prominent western industry leaders fighting against trafficking. Being recognized for their significant contributions to the industry at this year’s event include Steve Wrubel, Innovative Photographer; Stevi Hillman, Women’s Lasting Impact; Mack Altizer, Trailblazer; Lance Graves, Difference Maker; Anthony Thomas, All Grit; Amy Wilson, Media; Steve Stone, Raise the Bar; and Joe Beaver, Legacy of the West.
There are tickets for the event and sponsorship opportunities currently available. For those who can’t make it, there is also a new initiative that allows individuals to donate $25 to send a black and white stuffed cow to local children’s homes with a loving message from the equine community.
Individual tickets are $75 and include dinner, a ticket to the Easton Corbin concert following the gala, and 2 drink tickets for beer or wine. Multiple sponsorship levels are available including food sponsors, photo sponsors, table sponsors, drink sponsors, awards sponsors, and event sponsors. The event will take place from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on this wonderful event, visit the Rodeo Fame Facebook page, the Legacy of the West Gala Facebook page, or the Forever Cowboys website. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legacy-of-the-west-2022-black-and-white-gala-at-billy-bobs-ft-worth-tx-tickets-396664743927. All of us at Cowboy Lifestyle Network are excited to see the western industry unite for a great cause October 28 at Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth!
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