Produced by Rodeo Fame and Forever Cowboys, the 5th Annual Legacy of the West Gala will take place October 28 in Ft. Worth, Texas at the legendary Billy Bob’s. The awards and charity event is a fundraiser to unite the western industry and support anti-trafficking efforts, with an emphasis on the foster community and at-risk individuals.
Gala History
What began in 2018 as a special red carpet event during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada has grown into a unique event in its fifth year at a new venue with new opportunities. In total since 2018, this effort has raised more than $200,000 to support aged-out foster children and ensure we put a stop to human trafficking.
After two years in Las Vegas during the NFR, the gala followed the 10 biggest nights of rodeo to Texas in 2020 during COVID. The event was not canceled in the midst of the pandemic, but it was moved to the River Ranch in the Ft. Worth Stockyards. In 2021, the event returned to Las Vegas with the NFR, and over $58,000 were raised at the gala to aid in the fight against human trafficking. The most recent LOTW award winners from 2021 include Christy Burleson, Innovative Photographer; Western Sports Foundation, Raise the Bar; Jackie Crawford, Women’s Lasting Impact; Anthony Lucia, Trailblazer; JR Vezain, All Grit; Dougie Hall, Difference Maker; Chancey Williams, Legacy of the West; Cowboy Channel, Media Excellence; and Cody DeMers, Jr. Roughstock Association Ambassador.
2022 Legacy of The West Gala
Moving this year’s gala to Ft. Worth in October is a move made in hopes of bringing more awareness to the event and its worthy cause. Over 70% of trafficking victims come from the foster system, and 80% of aged-out foster kids are sex trafficked. The 2022 LOTW gala aims to raise $100,000 to support anti-trafficking, foster children, and the Mile Stone Ranch program, which helps these children get the help they need. Partners helping produce this charity event include Bronc Riding Nation, Smarty, and Cowpoke Designs.