California Rodeo Salinas check
California Rodeo Salinas officers and Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026 Maddi Borland gather with representatives from organizations that received funds during the Rodeo’s annual check presentation Sept. 17 at the Salinas Sports Complex. (Mag One Media)

SALINAS VALLEY — California Rodeo Salinas distributed more than $919,000 to local nonprofits, youth organizations, Western heritage groups and other community programs over the past year, marking the largest annual contribution in the organization’s history.

The annual donations are made possible largely by local organizations that work alongside California Rodeo Salinas committee members throughout the year. Groups earn funds by providing services, such as operating parking lots and concessions, ushering and assisting with other areas during events held at the Salinas Sports Complex.

The California Rodeo Association also supports the community through complimentary tickets used for charitable programs and fundraising efforts, scholarships and other contributions throughout the year.

Organizations benefiting from the Rodeo’s community giving represent a wide range of causes, including youth, education, agriculture, veterans, health and human services, Western heritage and cultural programs.

California Rodeo Salinas check
Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026 Maddi Borland (second from left) poses with California Rodeo Salinas officers, President Bob Eggers, Secretary Matt Jenkinson, Treasurer Patty Standridge, 1st Vice President Tom Nielsen, 3rd Vice President Tim Baldwin and 2nd Vice President Henry Dill. (Mag One Media)

Recipients included the Filipino Community of Salinas Valley; Hope, Horses & Kids; North Salinas High School Art Society; Everett Alvarez High School Athletic Department; Santa Lucia Rotary; Ariel Theatrical; Sun Street Centers and many others. A full list of organizations supported by the California Rodeo Salinas is available at carodeo.com.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of what we do,” said Bob Eggers, president of California Rodeo Salinas. “The Rodeo is fortunate to have so many local organizations working alongside our volunteers throughout the year. These partnerships help us put on successful events while also putting dollars directly back into programs that serve our community. We’re proud that the impact of the California Rodeo Salinas continues long after Big Week is over.”

Representatives from many of the organizations receiving funds gathered at the Salinas Sports Complex on Sept. 17 for the Rodeo’s annual check presentation. The funds will support a variety of needs, including uniforms, travel expenses, scholarships, facility improvements, leadership programs and other services and opportunities benefiting people throughout the region.

California Rodeo Salinas has a long history of supporting the community, and that commitment remains central to the Association’s mission as it looks ahead to another year of events and community partnerships.

The 117th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 15-18, 2027. For more information, visit CARodeo.com or contact the Rodeo Office at 831-775-3100.

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