Central PA Region
The rodeo committee is working to establish this event as an annual tradition that is both unique and attractive to regional residents. Bringing a rodeo to Central PA is a logical, but unexpected fit with our region’s established customs of simple life, hard work, family-orientation and agricultural history. All of these characterize the Western way of life and the rodeo industry. Although, the commonalities are obvious, a rodeo event is uncharacteristic of Central PA, which is a winning combination for establishing a distinctive regional tradition. So why is this important? Traditions unite people, give neighbors common ground and enhance our sense of identity and state pride. Again you ask, why is this important? Traditions are also great for establishing reliable streams of revenue.
St. Matthew School in Tyrone, PA has a strict policy: “No child will be denied education for lack of funds.” Typically, Catholic schools and churches earn their bread-&-butter through few avenues: donations, social hall bingo, spaghetti dinners, and more donations. St. Matthew’s has literally taken the bull by the horns and has chosen a different path for raising capital. Instead of asking for a handout or planning an event with little intrinsic value, St. Matthew’s and the Central PA Rodeo have teamed up to bring our region an action packed, heart-pounding event that in 2005, proved to be a win-win for the school, the rodeo company, the event sponsors, the contestants and spectators. The funds that are generated through sponsor support and gate dollars aid St. Matthew’s in raising needed building fund dollars and monies for the physical maintenance of their mature facilities. This goes far beyond paying heating bills or purchasing new erasers. And the effects of your dollars can be seen both instantly, through the purchase of needed supplies, and in the future, through building development and low-risk investments. All this helps to ensure the safety and well-being of our great region’s current students and bright future. St. Matthew’s understands that when other businesses in our region thrive, we all thrive.