Work dates - May 1, May 3, May 6, and May 10.  We are also getting our Facebook page ready for the event.  We are in need of pictures for the site.  Please send photos to Jason Francia.

Julie Walker bragged that last Thursday she took her trailer and went to Live Oak and camped with over 100 other women - $40.

Mark Jackson bragged on just returning from Guatemala.  It was a great trip, and Antigua stole his heart as a great place for some R&R -  $50

Our program today featured the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and was presented by Tina Tonascia.  Tina lives in Nipomo and has worked with the Rodeo for many years.  She bragged that she has been able to work with the greatest leaders, our own Peter Sterling being one of them.  This year the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade will be held between May 30 and June 2.

The Rodeo has received several awards and risen to be one of the top Rodeos in the country over the last few years.  It is one of the top 59 rodeos to be part of the pro tour this year. Santa Maria Elks Rodeo is the 21st Tour event for 2019.   It is a huge feather in our cap to be picked out of over 600 Rodeos.

Another success of the Rodeo was the creation of the Golden Circle of Champions, which started in Santa Maria, and is now being replicated nationwide.  The Golden Circle was the dream and living legacy of local resident Lexi Brown.   Lexi suffered from Childhood Cancer, and became a tremendous speaker for the disease.  Unfortunately, Lexi lost her battle with Cancer, but her spirit lives on.  Childhood cancer is the #1 cause of death for children. Over 43 children are diagnosed every day, and of those one in eight will die. 

The Golden Circle of Champions was started to honor Lexi and spread childhood cancer awareness.  On Thursday night during the Rodeo, 25 families with children that are suffering from cancer are brought in and treated like champions.  It is one day that they get to be special and gives them something to think about, rather than hospitals.   The team wanted this to go national, and last year asked to do it at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.  NFR stepped up, and they were able to bring in 25 kids from Las Vegas, 10 rodeos stepped up and sponsored a child.  It was very neat that this was adapted from SM’s rodeo and  Lexi’s dream.