 |
logo by Joe Beeler, CA
......................................................................................... |
...
Several years ago, during the time that Bill
Owen was President of the Arizona Cowpunchers Reunion Association,
he learned there had been some talk of forming an organization that
would raise monies in order to grant scholarships to young people
of Arizona ranching families. Scholarships for kids wasn’t
anything new to Bill, since he had been supporting the Arizona
National Livestock Show by donating copyrights for an annual
commemorative print to benefit their scholarship program beginning in 1990.
Bill wanted to make a difference during his ACRA Presidency, so
he stored the idea in the back of his mind. Some time later he learned of a young man he knew from an Arizona ranching family, who had won a roping. He had been asked if he wanted the prize of a horse trailer
or a sum of cash; when the young man replied that he wanted the
cash and was asked why, he responded he wanted to use it to
go to school. This touched Bill’s heart, because he knew that
young people
of ranching families are often unable to afford higher educations.
That was all the inspiration Bill needed to act on the idea he had
stored away. In the beginning Bill was told by several people that
he was attempting the impossible, but that attitude only served
to spur him on. Determination and hard work eventually won out and
The Arizona Cowpuncher’s Scholarship Organization, Inc. became
a reality in 1995. |
Cowboy Gala, the single fundraiser held to benefit ACSO evolved over time. The first event raised just enough money to fund seven (7) one thousand dollar scholarships. In 2005 the ACSO Board of Directors approved twenty-seven (27) awards, bringing the dollar amount over these ten years to just over $270,000. At Cowboy Gala 2005, founder Bill Owen announced it was probably the finale. Although the success ACSO has realized makes it possible for this dream to live on for some time, the importance of continued donations are greater than ever. Find out how you can help today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACSO's evening fundraiser festivities, Cowboy Gala 2005, were
greeted by six tuxedo-clad ACSO Scholarship Recipients on horseback.
<more>
.................................
|
|
"One Eyed Open"
by Joe Beeler, CA
|
On the morning of March 5, 2005, the
first phase of the 10th annual fundraiser began at the Los
Caballeros Golf Club, where the One Eyed Open Golf Tournament
commenced with a 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start and a Scramble format.
<more>.................................
|
|
