The annual event with energy which can be felt before entering the room continued that tradition on Wednesday, April 5 as the Oakdale Cowboy Museum hosted the 21st annual Cowgirl Luncheon.
Some 400 women gladly showed up dressed to the nines in true ‘Cowgirl’ spirit for the opportunity to have nearly three dozen cowboy volunteers share a smile and serve them a few beverages and a flavorful lunch catered by Medlen’s House of Beef.
As the room vibrated at a high level, it came to a quick lull as the presentation for the 2023 Cowgirl Honoree was presented. The tribute featured a beautiful video honoring Betty Grohl. Testimonies of the Cal Poly alumni, as well as former Rodeo Queen described Grohl as a “fierce competitor,” who was “always happy.”
With a lifelong love of horses and the western way of life, Grohl stated of her horses, “They are always there for you and they don’t judge you.”
Sitting in the center of Gene Bianchi Community Center, Grohl was surrounded by loving family as well as friends and a community of well-wishers.
“I’m flabbergasted that you chose me,” Grohl stated of receiving the honor.
Once the luncheon plates were cleared, the lively crowd collected their silent auction items and settled in for the true showdown of the annual event, the always entertaining live auction.
This year items such as Box Seats at the 2023 Rodeo, Golf for Four at Oakdale Golf and Country Club and a Luxury Tahoe Retreat were among those up for bid.
The show stopper of the event, however, maintained its reputation as Rodin brothers, Anthony and Junior Rodin, took to the stage for the ceremonial “Day with a Cowboy” live auction item. Playing to the crowd and spurring them on, the lucky bidder earned two cowboys for the price of one at a cool $1,500.
Proceeds from the day’s events benefit maintaining the Oakdale Cowboy Museum, hosting agriculture education on a local and regional level, as well as numerous scholarships for high school students.
“We are very proud of our scholarship program,” Bambi Porter, Cowboy Museum Manager shared, “to date we have given more than $75,000 since we first stated the scholarship program. We are getting ready to award more scholarship money in just a few weeks.”
At press time, Porter had not yet received final totals of the day’s fundraising effort but anticipated it was again a success. She further shared she believes the annual sold-out event continues to be popular, as it is the original Cowgirl luncheon in Oakdale.
“My favorite part of the day is watching ladies come in the door,” she said of the annual Cowgirl luncheon. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we work hard to make sure the ladies have a great time.”
It is an iconic part of a festive Rodeo Week.
“On this special day all the girls are Cowgirls,” Porter emphasized. “We love the way that they embrace the theme and the event. There are so many people that volunteer for this event to make it seamless.”
Additional information on the Cowboy Museum, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities may be found on their newly updated website: www.thecowboymuseum.org
