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8th Annual
Cowgirls w/ Heart
Rodeo Dance 2025
Benefiting:
Mustangs of America Foundation
& Tucson Chicks-n-Chaps
In 2025, the 8th Annual Cowgirls with Heart Rodeo Dance returns to support the Mustangs of America Foundation, (MAF). MAF has a vital mission — finding loving homes for the numerous mustangs and burros currently housed in BLM holding pens. Additionally, the organization makes a positive impact on the lives of inmates through their innovative training programs. We're also excited to support Tucson Chicks-n-Chaps, a nonprofit raising funds for local families affected by breast cancer while promoting rodeo and the Western way of life, empowering women, and providing community support.
This years, hallmark "Chance to Win" for the price of admission, custom designed, one-of-a-kind belt buckle. Designed by Sheridan Buckles, courtesy of Cowgirls w/Heart.
Past Events
Past Events
1st Annual Cowgirls w/ Heart Rodeo Dance 2010
Cowgirls with Heart's 1st Rodeo Dance was conceived to unite friends and family, including our rodeo family, in celebration of Tucson’s annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. The choice of the venerable El Casino Ballroom as our venue was driven by its profound ties to the local community. Our aim was to infuse a touch of "honky-tonk" into rodeo week, paying homage to the rich culture enveloping both the Tucson Rodeo and El Casino Ballroom.
Country music singer/songwriter Pat James took the stage, regaling the crowd with his "true country" tunes, inspired by the timeless spirit of cowboys from eras gone by. Pat, along with his talented band, transformed the dance floor with the evocative sounds of the steel guitar and fiddle. As a token of gratitude to our attendees, we introduced the "Chance to Win" initiative, offering a commemorative Montana Silversmiths belt buckle for the price of admission. Thanks to the generosity of Ladies-n-Lace and Silver Hills Trading Company of Tombstone, AZ, the event became the talk of the town.
The success of Cowgirls with Heart led to a return invitation to the El Casino Ballroom in 2011, with feedback affirming that we had reintroduced an authentic "Country" atmosphere that had been absent from this historic venue for far too long. We were genuinely honored and graciously accepted the invitation for another memorable event.
Country music singer/songwriter Pat James took the stage, regaling the crowd with his "true country" tunes, inspired by the timeless spirit of cowboys from eras gone by. Pat, along with his talented band, transformed the dance floor with the evocative sounds of the steel guitar and fiddle. As a token of gratitude to our attendees, we introduced the "Chance to Win" initiative, offering a commemorative Montana Silversmiths belt buckle for the price of admission. Thanks to the generosity of Ladies-n-Lace and Silver Hills Trading Company of Tombstone, AZ, the event became the talk of the town.
The success of Cowgirls with Heart led to a return invitation to the El Casino Ballroom in 2011, with feedback affirming that we had reintroduced an authentic "Country" atmosphere that had been absent from this historic venue for far too long. We were genuinely honored and graciously accepted the invitation for another memorable event.
2nd Annual
Cowgirls w/ Heart
Rodeo Dance 2011
Building on the success of the Pat James Band and their authentic country music, Cowgirls with Heart proudly granted them the stage once again for a night brimming with music, continuous dancing, and sheer enjoyment! Following the warm reception at the El Casino Ballroom in 2010, we were delighted to return, promising an even better experience. Based on the tremendous response from the previous year, Cowgirls with Heart saw the event as an opportunity to give back to those in the community making significant contributions.
In an effort to support local initiatives, we selected the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee and Museum as the beneficiaries of the proceeds collected during the event. With committee members present, many of whom were cherished friends and colleagues, we felt the genuine love and support of individuals who shared a passion for the rodeo and the western way of life.
In an effort to support local initiatives, we selected the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee and Museum as the beneficiaries of the proceeds collected during the event. With committee members present, many of whom were cherished friends and colleagues, we felt the genuine love and support of individuals who shared a passion for the rodeo and the western way of life.
3rd Annual Cowgirls w/ Heart Rodeo Dance 2012
Our 3rd Annual Cowgirls with Heart Rodeo Dance exceeded all expectations, becoming even bigger and better! Riding the wave of our full western momentum, the Pat James Band returned by popular demand, playing their hearts out and ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment. As part of our commitment to community service, we directed our efforts toward supporting a local charity, Youth on Their Own.
Youth on Their Own is an organization dedicated to assisting local youth in reaching their educational goals, particularly high school graduation, as a means to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. We chose this cause because we believe in investing in our youth, recognizing them as the future. This initiative holds a special place in our hearts, aligning with our mission to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals in our community.
Youth on Their Own is an organization dedicated to assisting local youth in reaching their educational goals, particularly high school graduation, as a means to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. We chose this cause because we believe in investing in our youth, recognizing them as the future. This initiative holds a special place in our hearts, aligning with our mission to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals in our community.
4th Annual
Cowgirls w/ Heart
Rodeo Dance 2013
This year, we embraced the talents of Country Thunder's own Harry Luge, a local singer/songwriter who immediately captivated the hearts of the Cowgirls with Heart team! His infectious energy and the way he animated the dance floor created a palpable buzz throughout the ballroom. With the excitement of the Montana Silversmiths commemorative belt buckle draw once again drawing a full-house, the atmosphere was electric!
For our 4th Annual Cowgirls with Heart Rodeo Dance, we chose Western Wishes as the beneficiary of the proceeds raised that night—an organization deeply embedded in the rodeo community. Western Wishes approached us, and it was an honor to collaborate with them. The highlight of the evening was the presence of 6-year-old Kaleb Dorr, the Western Wishes Warrior for 2012, who attended the Tucson Rodeo with his parents, Dennis and Kimberly Dorr. They were our esteemed guests for the night, adding a layer of special significance to our event.
Western Wishes, dedicated to supporting children and young adults facing adversity while embracing the western way of life, resonated profoundly with our values. It was a night to remember, filled with the spirit of generosity and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those who cherish and embody the western lifestyle.
For our 4th Annual Cowgirls with Heart Rodeo Dance, we chose Western Wishes as the beneficiary of the proceeds raised that night—an organization deeply embedded in the rodeo community. Western Wishes approached us, and it was an honor to collaborate with them. The highlight of the evening was the presence of 6-year-old Kaleb Dorr, the Western Wishes Warrior for 2012, who attended the Tucson Rodeo with his parents, Dennis and Kimberly Dorr. They were our esteemed guests for the night, adding a layer of special significance to our event.
Western Wishes, dedicated to supporting children and young adults facing adversity while embracing the western way of life, resonated profoundly with our values. It was a night to remember, filled with the spirit of generosity and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those who cherish and embody the western lifestyle.
5th Annual
Cowgirls w/ Heart
Rodeo Dance 2014
Responding to popular demand, Cowgirls with Heart proudly featured Harry Luge and his band once more, placing them center stage to captivate the audience. Harry's country music style, uniquely his own, resonated with the influences of iconic figures he had opened for in the past, including Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, Chris LeDoux, and Neal McCoy. Luge's music eloquently weaves stories of truth, hurt, and hope—themes to which many of us can readily relate.
Beyond being a sensational presence on our stage for the night, Harry became a cherished friend in the subsequent years, maintaining that connection to this day. Western Wishes, an organization we remained fervently passionate about, once again became the beneficiary of funds raised during the event. We felt fortunate to contribute in a small way to the impactful work they continued to do for others.
In 2014, we once again experienced a night filled with rodeo excitement, camaraderie, and unbridled fun—a testament to the enduring spirit of Cowgirls with Heart.
Beyond being a sensational presence on our stage for the night, Harry became a cherished friend in the subsequent years, maintaining that connection to this day. Western Wishes, an organization we remained fervently passionate about, once again became the beneficiary of funds raised during the event. We felt fortunate to contribute in a small way to the impactful work they continued to do for others.
In 2014, we once again experienced a night filled with rodeo excitement, camaraderie, and unbridled fun—a testament to the enduring spirit of Cowgirls with Heart.
6th Annual
Cowgirls w/ Heart
Rodeo Dance 2016
After taking a hiatus in 2015 to support our loved ones in need, the Cowgirls with Heart team decided to regroup and reopen the doors of the El Casino Ballroom to our rodeo fans, doing so with a salute to the military in true patriotic style. This event aimed to honor our veterans and contribute to the Southern VA’s Arizona Fisher House, a valuable resource for military families. Harry Luge once again took the stage, infusing the floor with pride and passion for our military families, reminding us of the pride of being American.
Cowgirls with Heart felt an immense honor to be part of such a heartfelt gathering, attended by many veterans and active-duty military personnel. The ballroom was adorned in red, white, and blue, and we concluded the night with our heads held high, proud to be part of a community that honors so many deserving individuals. The event was not just a celebration but a meaningful tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country.
Cowgirls with Heart felt an immense honor to be part of such a heartfelt gathering, attended by many veterans and active-duty military personnel. The ballroom was adorned in red, white, and blue, and we concluded the night with our heads held high, proud to be part of a community that honors so many deserving individuals. The event was not just a celebration but a meaningful tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country.
7th Annual
Cowgirls w/ Heart
Rodeo Dance 2024
By popular demand, Cowgirls with Heart came back better than ever! Since 2010, our passion had been bringing the authentic spirit of great country music and dance to the historic El Casino Ballroom, all while giving back to the community in true cowgirl style.
The recipient of the proceeds from our 7th Annual Rodeo Dance was the Mustangs of America Foundation.
Our rodeo dance featured a night filled with true country music from Tucson’s own Anthony Taylor Jr. Band, delicious food trucks, auctions, fundraising activities, and more! As a token of appreciation, we once again offered a custom, one-of-a-kind belt buckle, courtesy of Sheridan Buckles, as part of our "Chance to Win" with the price of admission.
In 2024, we returned with a renewed sense of purpose, dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of mustangs, former inmates, and the community. The ballroom was transformed with the essence of the American West, reflecting our commitment to tradition, community, and creating a memorable night for all. Together, we celebrated country music, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to the well-being of mustangs and those who care for them.
The recipient of the proceeds from our 7th Annual Rodeo Dance was the Mustangs of America Foundation.
Our rodeo dance featured a night filled with true country music from Tucson’s own Anthony Taylor Jr. Band, delicious food trucks, auctions, fundraising activities, and more! As a token of appreciation, we once again offered a custom, one-of-a-kind belt buckle, courtesy of Sheridan Buckles, as part of our "Chance to Win" with the price of admission.
In 2024, we returned with a renewed sense of purpose, dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of mustangs, former inmates, and the community. The ballroom was transformed with the essence of the American West, reflecting our commitment to tradition, community, and creating a memorable night for all. Together, we celebrated country music, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to the well-being of mustangs and those who care for them.
Tickets
Tickets
8th Annual
Save The Date!
Friday, Febraury 14, 2025
Doors Open 6pm | Band 7pm-11pm Ages 21+
Sponsors
Contact
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