Reno Rodeo Foundation

For four decades, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has invested in the future of children and families across Northern Nevada. These numbers represent more than impact. They reflect the strength of a community committed to making sure every child feels seen, supported, and valued. 💟

Meet Sadie the Sheep! 🤍✨🐑 📚 Soft-spoken, gentle, and endlessly comforting, Sadie the Sheep is the emotional heart of the Reno Rodeo Foundation crew. Sadie grew up learning to notice the little things... trembling hands, quiet tears, and the moments when a child simply needs someone nearby. One day, while visiting a courthouse, she spotted a young child sitting alone in a cold, overwhelming waiting room. Sadie softly brushed her wool against the child’s hand, and for the first time that day… the child smiled. That moment changed everything. Now, Sadie proudly supports the Reno Rodeo Foundation Reading Rooms — warm, welcoming spaces where children can read, rest, and simply be kids during difficult moments. She has a special way of making every room feel safer and cozy. Whether she’s helping a shy child find the perfect book or offering quiet reassurance without saying a word, Sadie reminds us that kindness doesn’t have to be loud to make a powerful impact.

The Reno Rodeo Foundation Spring Denim Drive is officially underway! 💙👖 Since 2016, the Denim Drive program has helped support 4,258 children entering foster care across 14 Northern Nevada counties, providing more than $1.28 million in clothing, essentials, and care to local youth in need. This spring, our community is coming together once again to make a difference. You can support the Spring Denim Drive by: ✔️ Making a monetary donation ✔️ Donating new clothing and essential items ✔️ Becoming a community partner or drop-off location Together, we can help children entering foster care feel supported, confident, and cared for from day one. Thank you to everyone joining us for this year’s kickoff event! 🤠✨

Meet Billy the Bull. 🤠💙🐂✨ Billy may be the strongest member of the Reno Rodeo Foundation Denim Drive crew, but his greatest strength isn’t his size...it’s his heart. As the friendly force behind the Denim Drive, Billy helps move heavy barrels, lend a helping hoof, and remind everyone that true strength comes from kindness. After witnessing a volunteer place a warm coat around a child during a Denim Drive Distribution, Billy learned that sometimes the quietest acts can make the biggest impact. You can help Billy make a difference by donating to the Reno Rodeo Foundation Spring Denim Drive now. Every donation helps provide warmth, confidence, and care to local children and families in need. Link in bio!

Huge thank you to all of our media partners who joined us for today’s Media Appreciation Luncheon, we truly couldn’t do what we do without your support year-round. A special thank you to @wearegoodgiant and @loadedtv for helping bring this event to life, and to @famousdaves_reno for the incredible catering. We loved sharing this year’s marketing campaign and storytelling vision with you and are so grateful for your continued partnership. Let’s rodeo!! 🤠🤠🤠

Whether you’re registering a new truck, car or trailer or renewing your current registration – ask for a Rodeo License Plate! The Rodeo State Charitable License Plate provides a significant source of funding for the Reno Rodeo Foundation and the Nevada State High School Rodeo Association (NSHSRA), as the charitable proceeds from this license plate are shared equally between these two organizations. The Rodeo State license plate is one of the most popular charitable plates in Nevada and we hope you’ll choose to proudly display it on all of your vehicles and trailers! Learn more at the link in our bio!

Rhythm & Rawhide returns with an all-new, elevated twist during the Reno Rodeo. Join us Saturday, June 27 from 11 AM–2 PM inside the moody, speakeasy-style setting of Doc Bar for a refined brunch experience blending music, culinary excellence, and community impact—all benefiting the Reno Rodeo Foundation. Guests will enjoy a curated brunch menu featuring premium seafood, elevated bites, decadent sweets, and interactive chef stations by @markesteechef and the team at Local Food Group. Sip your way through a premium whiskey and champagne tasting while taking in an intimate live performance from @officialpatricemusic . With only 150 seats available, this is a rare, intimate way to experience one of Reno’s most celebrated traditions—while making a meaningful impact for children and families across Northern Nevada. Secure your seat and be part of an unforgettable afternoon at the link in our bio.

While the Reno Rodeo may last just ten days, the spirit of service continues all year long thanks to the Reno Rodeo Association’s Team 355, a dedicated group of volunteers who spend the other 355 days supporting our mission. Behind every successful event — and every child or family we serve — is this group of volunteers making it all possible. From assisting with signature fundraisers like the Bingo Brunch, Texas Hold ’Em Tournament, and the Biggest Little Shootout, to showing up at community events that benefit the Foundation, Team 355 members are always ready to lend a hand. They set up venues, greet guests, distribute materials, and bring the friendly, can-do spirit that helps every Foundation event shine. Their dedication extends far beyond event days. Throughout the year, Team 355 volunteers also assist with the Foundation’s day-to-day operations, stepping in whenever extra help is needed to. keep programs running smoothly. Whether organizing supplies, delivering materials, or preparing for special projects, their efforts make an invaluable difference. The amazing people who make up Team 355 embody the compassion, energy, and commitment that define the Reno Rodeo Foundation. If you’d like to be part of this incredible team, contact Dan Bybee at [email protected] to learn more.

Say hello to the newest member of Rowdy & Friends… Cupcake. 🧁✨ Sweet, warm, and full of heart, Cupcake brings a little extra joy wherever she goes. As a Highland Cow, she reminds us that kindness and inclusion can make any day brighter, and that everyone deserves to feel welcome, valued, and celebrated! 💜 Just like Rowdy and the rest of the crew, Cupcake is here to help us share our mission of supporting Northern Nevada kids and families through education, opportunity, and care. Welcome to the herd, Cupcake. 💫

The Reno Rodeo Foundation serves children and families across 14 Northern Nevada counties through programs that provide essential items, meaningful experiences, and opportunities for growth. Our work is rooted in community, guided by compassion, and focused on creating lasting impact where it matters most. Learn more via link in bio.

With his wild mane, big heart, and signature Reno Rodeo Foundation bandana, Rowdy is far more than a friendly horse. He’s the embodiment of what the Foundation stands for: learning, compassion, community, and a whole lot of heart. Rowdy was dreamed up by the Foundation’s executive director Cheree Boteler and brought to life by illustrator Lisa Cook of @swizzlestory . What began as a simple stuffed animal created for children served by the Denim Drive quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, Rowdy has become a beloved ambassador across all Foundation programs.

40 years of impact, tradition, and community. 🤍 The Reno Rodeo Foundation is proud to celebrate four decades of serving children and families across Northern Nevada. Growing, evolving, and expanding our reach along the way. This milestone also brings a refreshed 40th Anniversary logo, created to honor our rodeo roots while clearly reflecting our role as a charitable organization. The logo represents where we’ve been and where we’re headed next. Here’s to continuing the legacy. 🤠✨