More Than $150K For Local Charities Raised At South OC Rodeo Event

RANCHO MISSION VIEJO, CA — The annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo raised more than $150,000 for local charities during its two-day event, with funds going to local Orange County nonprofits including: Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, CHOC Children's at Mission Hospital and Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley.

The sold-out August event saw impressive displays of riders from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, which showcased its top 30 lineup as they competed for a total purse of $300,000.

The Rodeo also featured a wide variety of vendors, food trucks, and more – providing the public with a distinctly unique opportunity to try on Western-themed apparel.

For the little cowgirls and cowboys, there were a variety of activities such as a bounce house, face painting and more. Attendees later enjoyed a concert by Nashville singer and songwriter, Daisy Sellas.

“It was an especially exciting year for the RMV Rodeo as we celebrated 20 years of Rodeo fun and history, and an opportunity to raise much needed funds for three organizations that are making a remarkable difference in our community,” said Tony Moiso, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rancho Mission Viejo. “We are proud to donate all of the proceeds from this year’s Rodeo thanks to the amazing Rancho Mission Viejo community, our dedicated sponsors and the incredibly talented athletes who competed throughout the weekend. They are the ones who made this possible.

According to a news release the 20th Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo produced several elite winners from seven featured Rodeo events, including:

• Saddle Bronc Riding — Jake Watson
• Bareback Riding — Tilden Hooper
• Bull Riding — Trevor Kastner
• Steer Wrestling — Jesse Brown
• Tie Down Roping — Shane Hanchey
• Team Roping — Kaleb Driggers, Junior Nogueira
• Break Away Roping — Rickie Engesser, Cheyanne Guillory, Joey Williams

Both days of the Rodeo were completely sold out with contributions from more than 82 sponsors.

The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo has raised more than $2.6 million in total proceeds throughout its history for San Juan Capistrano charities – making it one of the most successful philanthropic events for Rancho Mission Viejo, organizers said.