Golden Circle of Champions to Bring Families and Message of Hope to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

LAS VEGAS

The Golden Circle of Champions, in conjunction with Las Vegas Events, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Red Bluff Round-Up, Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, Tuscany Suites & Casino and Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, announced today that it will honor 20 children and their families fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The Golden Circle of Champions Banquet is set for Sunday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m. PT at the Tuscany Suites & Casino.

Founded in 2016 in conjunction with the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, the Golden Circle of Champions was conceived to raise awareness and provide funds to help those children in need. Each year, families are honored during the opening night of the rodeo. Through donations and fundraising efforts, support is provided directly to the families to fulfill their most urgent needs: paying bills, buying medicine and caring for their family.

What started at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo is now making its way to Las Vegas again to continue the vital mission of the Golden Circle of Champions. Eight local Las Vegas families along with 12 families chosen from PRCA-sanctioned rodeos from across the country will be treated like champions at rodeo-themed activities in their honor. Each of the 20 families in attendance will include a child between the ages of 6 and 17 who has been diagnosed with life-threatening cancer or associated illnesses.

While in Las Vegas during the Wrangler NFR, the children and their families will have an opportunity to dine with rodeo champions, receive special gifts and learn about the sport of rodeo. That evening, all honorees will attend the Wrangler NFR at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“Our goal is to bring education and awareness – locally and nationally – to pediatric cancer and offer a ray of hope to the families that are navigating through this difficult journey,” stated Golden Circle of Champions Founder Tina Tonascia. “Our team at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo feels it is our job to continue to tell their stories about the pediatric cancer journey they endure, in the hopes that one day we will be able to make a difference. Because of the combined efforts of so many over these past few years, we are making huge strides, and now with the support of the PRCA, we have rodeos across the nation going "Gold" and joining our mission to help families in their communities, while also spreading the message of pediatric cancer awareness."

“We are so grateful and thrilled to once again be associated with the Golden Circle of Champions in 2023,” said President/CEO of Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Jeffrey R Gordon. “This means so much to the children that are honored through this amazing event. We will be forever grateful to the NFR, Las Vegas Events, Southwest Specialty Contractors and all those who make this day one of the most special days in our children’s lives who are battling cancer and life-threatening illnesses. The love and compassion that is shown by so many is absolutely spectacular and truly makes our hearts smile.”

For more information about the Golden Circle, please visit GoldenCircleofChampions.com.

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2022, the event had a total attendance of 173,350 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 350 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit prorodeo.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.