A year's worth of hard work and dedication by thousands of people is about to pay off when the 67th Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off in just a few short weeks. As this is the final Show for which I will serve as your president, it obviously will be a very special time for me. I am very proud to be affiliated with a premier organization that has grown to become one of Houston's greatest traditions. Many of those who attend the Show think of it as a three-week attraction, featuring top-notch rodeo action along with some of the finest musical talent in the country. Although that is true, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is so much more than an event that just rolls around every February. Our 95 committees, consisting of more than 12,000 volunteers, are meeting and planning year round to ensure a successful Show. Staff members are constantly evaluating and improving all aspects of the Show to provide the public with an exceptional ticket value. Each year, we raise expectations a little higher but somehow manage to reach our goals. We take great pride in providing the best entertainment package possible, but the cornerstone of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is its commitment to youth and education. That's the reason all of us put in countless hours to make this Show a success. That's why you witness record-breaking auction prices year after year. The youth of Texas is why we're here and what we're all about. That support has grown since 1957 to a total commitment of more than $58 million in educational aid and programs for Texas youth. Over the years, Show-related scholarships have been awarded to more than 17,000 students. For 1999, a record $7.7 million has been committed to education. This includes 180 new four-year, $10,000 scholarships reflecting an increase to existing programs and an exciting new $1 million program designed to assist students with extreme financial need. Additional scholarships have been added to the 4-H and FFA programs and the very popular school art program. Another new program in 1999 will award four-year, $10,000 scholarships to five Texas FHA members. But the Show's commitment doesn't end there.
In fact, the Show supports a wide range of innovative programs that address
diverse educational opportunities. These include:
The statistics are impressive, but the numbers don't fully tell the story. Rather, it is the people of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo the contestants, volunteers, sponsors, season ticket holders, staff, scholarship winners, parents, teachers and so many others that are the lifeblood of our Show. In an age of cutting-edge technology and sophisticated marketing techniques, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's catch-phrase still stands the test of time Benefiting Youth and Supporting Education.
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Letters and comments should be sent to: Marketing and Public Relations Division, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo P.O. Box 20070, Houston, Texas 77225-0070 |
Unfortunately, limited space doesn't permit me to mention
all of the Show's programs and affiliations. From the child in kindergarten to the college
senior, we help educate Texas youngsters at all levels.
