The People Behind the Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo
When the community of Mountain Home, Idaho gathers each summer for the Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo, it's not just the thrilling action in the arena that captivates the audience.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers, board members, and sponsors come together to honor the legacy of Daniel Dopps and give back to the local community.
The Driving Force: Board of Directors
The Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo is overseen by 24 committee members including an 8-person Board of Directors.
At the helm is an Executive Committee made up of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Executive Director, Secretary, and three additional board members.
This core team is responsible for the rodeo's long-term planning, strategic vision, and day-to-day operations as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Interestingly, the board has evolved since the inaugural event.
Ramona Dopps, Daniel's mother, has been involved from the very beginning, serving on the board for 20 years.
She explains that the original planning committee started with 5 friends and family and included Todd McCurry and his staff as well.
But it has since expanded to include "wonderful people" who have become like family, equally invested in honoring Daniel's memory through the rodeo.
The board members, many of whom knew Daniel personally, contribute varying amounts of time to the rodeo, from 100 hours to nearly full-time, depending on their role.
Whether it's the Executive Committee overseeing the big picture or the specialized sub-committees handling everything from ticketing to community outreach, the board's dedication is vital to the rodeo's success.
A Community Effort: Volunteers
The Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo simply couldn't happen without its army of volunteers.
Between 75-100 local residents lend their time and energy each year, taking on essential tasks like ticket sales, contestant hospitality, event security, and arena crew duties during the rodeo performances.
'We could not do it without them. Period,' affirms Ramona Dopps.
The volunteers allow the rodeo to funnel its resources directly back into the community, rather than having to pay for these services.
Many of the volunteers return year after year, showcasing the community's deep-rooted commitment to honoring Daniel's legacy.
Powering the Mission: Sponsors
Alongside the volunteers and board members, the Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo relies on the support of nearly 40+ sponsors.
These individuals and businesses play a crucial role, helping to keep the lights on and enabling the rodeo to grow and improve each year.
But the sponsors' impact goes beyond just financial support. As Ramona explains, "When a sponsor signs on, they become part of the Daniel Dopps mission."
Their contributions help promote Western heritage and bring the community together in a family-friendly atmosphere – values that were important to Daniel.
Giving Back: Charitable Causes
The Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo isn't just about the thrilling rodeo action; it's also about using the event as a platform to give back to the local community.
Over the years, the rodeo has donated proceeds to a variety of charitable causes, including the Mountain Home Parks & Recreation, Elmore County Jr. Rodeo Association, St. Luke's Hospital Foundation, and numerous veterans' organizations.
Educational scholarships are also a priority, with $60,000 in total being awarded to graduating seniors, often from Elmore and Owyhee Counties.
As Ramona Dopps explains, this charitable giving is a crucial part of the rodeo's mission, as it aims to make a difference in Daniel's memory and fill the void his passing left in the community.
Final Thoughts
From the dedicated board members to the tireless volunteers and generous sponsors, the Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo is a true community effort, united in honoring one man's legacy and enriching the lives of those around them. This annual event is a testament to the power of coming together and the lasting impact one person can have on a community.