Children’s Hospital Foundation Research Institute Praises the Success of The 2005 Buckaroo Ball
The Buckaroo Ball Colorado hosted by Senator Tom Wiens and his wife Diana and co-chaired by Mike and Patty Palumbo at the Wiens Ranch southwest of Castle Rock has proven to be an extremely effective tool to raise funds and educate the public about the wonderful story of pediatric research done at The Children's Hospital Research Institute.
The Buckaroo Ball, over its five year history, has featured such big name country music entertainers as The Oakridge Boys, Randy Travis, Collin Raye, Phil Vassar and 2005 featured Clint Black.
The 2005 event included a two-day National Cutting Horse Association sanctioned competition at the Wiens Ranch with a fantastic concert, banquet dinner and live auction on Saturday evening , where guest were treated to a stirring visual program about The Children's Hospital, pediatric research and issues related to children's health. "The Buckaroo Ball has become an important part of fund raising for The Children's Hospital Research Institute," said Steve Winesett, President and CEO of The Children's Hospital Foundation. "The educational benefit and the good will that the Buckaroo Ball provides are a valuable outreach tool to communicate the story of research at Children's. The event helps Children's reach an entirely new audience with the message of the importance of pediatric research and we are grateful to Senator Wiens and all the volunteers who make this event happen."
The Buckaroo Ball Colorado spent approximately 1% on administrative costs which included $1,942.00 for liability insurance and $1,474.00 in fees and miscellaneous expenses, leaving a whopping $329,136 for research and education on behalf of The Children's Hospital Research Institute; with $291,400.00* going directly to pediatric research and $37,736.00 going to education and outreach.
Peter Culshaw, Chairman of the Research Institute, praised The Buckaroo Ball saying, "Along with getting our message out, we get top name entertainers in a Rocky Mountain ranch environment with quality food and the opportunity to see some of the country's finest cutting horses in action. This is a huge undertaking and we are grateful to Senator Wiens and all the volunteers who have been willing to take this on for five consecutive years. We are especially glad that Senator Wiens is willing to give so much of his time for such a consuming project to help children. He has shown tremendous generosity by producing the event and providing the facilities, free of charge; receiving no reimbursement or compensation other than the deep appreciation of those he helps."
You can get more information regarding the Buckaroo Ball Colorado by contacting the Wiens Ranch at 303-681-3831. www.BuckarooBallColorado.com
* The Children's Hospital Research Institute in its Report to the Community, reported the cash payments paid from the Buckaroo Ball to be $268,000.00 for pediatric research at the Institute. The discrepancy is due to timing of the report and the receipt of money that was sent directly to the Children's Hospital Foundation on behalf of the Buckaroo Ball Colorado.
$ 1 Million Dollars Raised for Children's Hospital Research
Letter from Peter Culshaw of the Children's Hospital Research Foundation
I am writing to let you know that Tom Wiens has decided to take a break from hosting the Buckaroo Ball this year. The Buckaroo Ball has been a labor of love for Tom and Diana, and I know this was an extremely difficult decision for them. Given their attention to detail and their focus on excellence, we can all understand what a major commitment of time and energy it takes every year to pull off such an exceptional event. As disappointed as we all are that the Buckaroo Ball won't occur this year, I think you'll agree with me that Tom and Diana have earned a break.
I know you will all join me in extending warm thanks Tom and Diana for generously hosting this remarkable and fun event, and to Mike Palumbo for his leadership. Over its five-year history the Buckaroo Ball has raised over $1 million to benefit The Children's Hospital Research Institute. We owe the Wiens and all of the volunteers a debt of gratitude for all that they've done for TCHFRI.
I encourage you to contact Tom Wiens or me if you have any questions. In the meantime our work is cut out for us -- onward!
Best,
Peter Culshaw