In April 2022, we expanded the scope, purpose, and our strategic direction by rebranding as the Bill Pickett invitational Rodeo Foundation’s (BPiRF).  The foundation takes our responsibility to our programs and supporters seriously.  Our foundation has continued to expand because of the generosity of our corporate partners. We would like to recognize CoBank for serving as our 2023 Scholarship Sponsor.

The philanthropic spirit of our corporate sponsors and individual donors provided the needed funding to help us increase our community involvement and programs.  Our charitable function continues to exceed expectations and achieve our strategic priorities.  We have expanded our capacity to provide additional health, educational and financial support for community programs and students pursuing further education. We continue to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to experience the Black Cowboy and Cowgirl through the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR).

This year, we will build on the incredible support furthering student education through our scholarship program by rolling out our College Internship Partnership.  We will connect our scholarship awardees majoring in agricultural science and business, marketing, finance, and accounting with corporate partners.  A college education is an extraordinarily profitable investment not only for the individual but to our community where Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo performs.

Many studies show that Investing in our communities and students, especially college graduates result in greater economic stability, security, greater community service and leadership.

The foundation will reinvigorate our efforts as we:

• Honoring the legacy of our founder – Lu Vason, Black Cowboy, Black Cowgirl, and legendary contributors to the American West. 
• Supporting diverse communities through our programs.
• Provide more scholarships and grants throughout the country with a continuous distribution under the Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund (BPMSF) arm. 

Our Board of Directors and Advisory Board will continue to work on expanding our reach. Our primary goals for the future are to:

• Finalize plans for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Traveling Museum:
• Secure a funding source or corporate sponsor for 2023, 2024 and 2025
• Identify a permanent location for the Museum.
• Preserve and add archives and artifacts of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
• Create and develop new initiatives, and advance our existing educational, health and wellness programs.
• Provide support and resources to our communities.

I am extremely pleased with the support of our sponsors, partner, donors, volunteers, our talented cowboys and cowgirls, talented board, and our amazing audience who come to enjoy four generations of the Black Cowboy and Black Cowgirl. A special thanks for the critical role you play in our success!

 Let’s Rodeo and Continue Impacting Our Community! 

Kenneth “Ken” Johnson
Board Chair
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation