A Golden Opportunity
Viva Las Vegas! In December, our Utah Cowgirl Collective Ambassadors made it to the Entertainment Capital of the World where we helped out with some special activities, celebrated rodeo and made many new friends and memories.
While the top cowboys and cowgirls in the world battled it out on the dirt in the Thomas and Mack Center, our UCC Ambassadors took part in a meaningful event to rival all the excitement of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: the Golden Circle of Champions.
This incredible event celebrates the courage and resilience of children battling cancer and the Utah cowgirls had a front row seat to help these special kids, and their families feel like the champions they are.
Golden Circle of Champions
The Golden Circle of Champions honors children battling cancer and terminal illnesses by providing them and their families with a unique opportunity to experience the joys of rodeo and the western lifestyle.
These kids, true champions in every sense of the word, face challenges that most of us can't even imagine. The event provides a much-needed escape and a chance to forget about hospital visits and treatments by letting the special guests learn about and experience rodeo at the highest level.
Days of ‘47 Golden Family
The Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo is one of several “Golden Rodeos” throughout the United States and Canada. As such, the Utah Days of ‘47 not only supports the Golden Circle’s mission but also sponsors a special child who represents our rodeo at the official Golden Circle of Champions event during the NFR.
This year our special Golden representative was none other than Brielle Bird of Malad, Idaho. We met Brielle during the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo back in July when she and her family were our special guests at the rodeo.
Brielle is eight years old and battling neuroblastoma. She has a bright smile and loves her siblings. Her fun personality shines through in her colorful wardrobe and her pink hat was a hit at the Golden Circle of Champions.
The UCC cowgirls were able to give Brielle and her family the VIP treatment when we met them at the airport and were their escorts to the hotel and event convention center. Meeting Brielle and her family was a highlight of our trip, and we want her to know that “WE FIGHT” with her.
UCC meets family at airport in Las Vegas
You can support Brielle and her family in her fight by following briestrongerthancancer on Instagram.
Seeing Gold at the Thomas and Mack Center
Besides escorting our special golden family, the UCC Ambassadors also helped with the Golden Circle event set-up. The cowgirls burned the midnight oil helping set table arrangements for the special Sunday luncheon and then got up bright and early to help turn the Thomas and Mack Center gold.
Sunday at the NFR is Gold Night in support of childhood cancer and as part of the special day, we helped tie and place bandanas on every seat in the Thomas and Mack. Our team spread out and slowly but surely the entire stadium was awash with gold.
That night, our special golden kids and their families were special guests at the rodeo, and they got to see the rodeo fans in the Thomas and Mack wave those gold bandanas in tribute and support of them.
Golden Moments at the Golden Event
With our special guests arriving and the setup complete, it was time for the golden moment. Volunteer NFR cowboys and cowgirls took time away from their rodeo prep, brand promotions and autograph sessions to spend time at the Golden Circle of Champions with our special kids.
As the professional cowboys and cowgirls arrived, they were matched up with the golden families and then helped their kids learn and practice all the rodeo events in the rodeo clinic area. Big smiles and bubbly laughter filled the room as these kids experienced the joys and empowerment of rodeo.
Following the rodeo clinic, each golden child and their cowboy escorts walked the red carpet into the special Sunday Luncheon where each one of them received their own gold buckle and recognition on stage with their professional cowboy and cowgirl escorts.
Our UCC cowgirls were all hands on deck assisting where needed. We helped with the rodeo clinic stations, directed families and cowboys where to go and even helped tie golden bandanas for everyone to wear.
The day was filled with so many memorable moments. From the special meet-and-greets to the interactive rodeo activities and luncheon, the Golden Circle of Champions committee poured their hearts into creating a magical experience and it was inspiring to witness the strength and unwavering optimism of these golden families in the face of adversity.
When in Vegas
Being a part of the Golden Circle of Champions was an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience and each of us are grateful for the chance to help with this incredible event, but it wasn’t the only excitement we had in Vegas.
Helping the Next Generation
While in Vegas, the UCC cowgirls helped oversee dummy roping contests at the Vegas Tuffest Jr competition happening in conjunction with the NFR. This competition is geared for youth competitors to compete in various rodeo events and is an opportunity for next-generation rodeo athletes to show their skills.
Saying Hi to our Brands
As part of our Vegas adventure, we of course made a special stop at Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center to say hi to our UCC brands. We are proud to wear the brands of Western Horseman, Wrangler and Justin and grateful for their support of the Utah Cowgirl Collective program. It was a great opportunity to recognize these brands and get to see them all in Vegas!
Spreading the Word: Media Interviews
While in Vegas, the UCC ambassadors also made special media appearances. We were able to talk about our year of service, the UCC scholarship program and the importance of preserving the western lifestyle. We met up with our very own Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo Announcer, Anthony Lucia, on Live with Lucia, joined the conversation on the Cowboy Channel’s NFR Tailgate Party and shared a laugh with Flint Rasmussen on Outside the Barrel.
What’s Next?
Taking part in the Golden Circle of Champions and making memories in Las Vegas was a highlight of our UCC year. With 2024 wrapping up, we are reflecting on all we have to be grateful for and looking forward to what is to come!
Coming up, our UCC cowgirls will be taking part in the Salt Lake City Winter Roundup on February 8. We’re strapping on our skis and pulling on our coats as we look forward to this exciting downtown skijoring event put on by Visit Salt Lake and the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo.
We will also be at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo at the Salt Palace – Feb. 13-16.
As always, follow us on social media for a front row seat of all the exciting moments in our UCC journey.