Rascal Rodeo honors BNSF team member for lassoing fans and funds

By PAIGE ROMANOWSKI
Staff writer

Rodeo is a popular sport that tests even the toughest of competitors. But those involved with Rascal Rodeo look beyond the thrill of the sport and see a unique opportunity to bring people together in the spirit of hope and encouragement.

Rascal Rodeo is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing rodeo with individuals with disabilities, helping them discover unknown abilities in a safe and accommodating rodeo environment.

Superintendent of Operations RB McCord has been volunteering with the organization for nearly 15 years. And recently, Rascal Rodeo expressed their gratitude for his dedication by awarding him the honor of Volunteer of the Decade.

 

McCord’s connection with Rascal Rodeo began in 2010 when he and his family moved back to the Pasco, Washington area. Through mutual friends, McCord met Rascal Rodeo’s CEO and founder, Ann-Erica Whitemarsh. Learning of Rascal Rodeo’s vision and its impact on the participants and their families, he was hooked.

“I grew up watching my dad ride bulls and rodeo, so rodeo has always been a part of my life,” McCord said. “I have a daughter with special needs, so when I learned about Rascal Rodeo, I was compelled to get involved.”

Not only do McCord and his wife and children play active volunteer roles, his daughter with special needs, Cassie, participates as a cowgirl.

“Witnessing Rascal Rodeo is powerful – you leave a bawling mess from the joy because you helped someone feel included and accepted and abled,” McCord said. “People with disabilities often feel like outsiders, but this gives them a chance to feel included and get to be cowboys and cowgirls.”

In 2012, McCord took his involvement further by joining the organization’s board to help guide the Rascal Rodeo organization and strengthen relationships with donors and sponsors. McCord helped introduce Racal Rodeo to the BNSF Railway Foundation, which saw the value in sponsoring the organization and supporting the cause.

“BNSF aims to make a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Zak Andersen, chief of staff and vice president of communications. “Seeing our employees come together to live out that value in their community is inspiring, and we’re proud to support their efforts. We’ve been supporting Rascal Rodeo since the beginning, and we’re delighted to see their mission thrive.”

Although no longer on the board, McCord still plays an active role today as a Rascal Rodeo volunteer. He remains committed to spreading the word and inspiring others to get involved, which is a big reason the organization honored him as Volunteer of the Decade.

“RB has played a huge part in making our annual fundraiser what it is,” Whitemarsh said. “He recruits sponsors and guests, he gets the most popular auction items, he served as a board member, and he always attends the events. He’s a very passionate person with a huge heart and truly believes in our mission.”