Every year, California draws in more than 700 cowboys and cowgirls from all over the U.S. for a rodeo event unlike any other. The California Rodeo Salinas is one of the 20 regular-season rodeos recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Each participant competes for the $400,000 cash prize and the shiny gold and silver buckles. In 2023, the Salinas Sports Complex welcomed a packed crowd of 50,000 eager fans, all drawn by the promise of an exciting new attraction – and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Like last year, the rodeo fans got to enjoy adrenaline-pumping performances from the participants. However, this year, a new buckle made its debut in the California Rodeo Salinas, which brought the event to the forefront of a major social movement.

California Rodeo Salinas joins forces with Man Up Crusade to combat domestic abuse

California Rodeo Salinas began on October 1 and is set to come to a close on October 31. This year, the rodeo has partnered with Man Up Crusade, which has been fighting the social evil of domestic abuse since 2012. The Man Up Crusade is a not-for-profit organization, and they have chosen the PRCA as the vehicle to raise funds for their cause. In that capacity, the PRCA has introduced a new silver buckle bearing the Man Up Crusade logo and message.

Carved by the Montana Silversmiths, it says, “Take A Stand”. Salinas used their longstanding relationship with the YWCA of Monterey County to sell tickets and raise funds for the worthy cause. King City Rustlers caught up with Christine Duncan, CEO of YWCA, who said, “The YWCA of Monterey County thanks the California Rodeo for their commitment to raising awareness of the community scourge that is domestic violence”.

Teen dating violence and domestic violence are on the rise. There is an urgent need to curb this epidemic before the issue becomes uncontrollable. As per estimates, one in four women and one in seven men are victims of this social injustice in the U.S. For a rodeo competition to champion such an issue shows the importance of sports in our lives. However, California Rodeo’s role as protector of the oppressed is not new.

California Rodeo Salinas championing change

As mentioned already, the California Rodeo Salinas has worked closely with the YWCA for many years. For the uninitiated, the YWCA is a major charity in Monterey County that owns and operates the only shelter for women in the area. They help women victims of battery and assault rebuild their lives discreetly. The YWCA also provides free counseling services for adults and children. Besides these, they also help the victims receive legal advice to help them sever ties with their abusers.

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The YWCA has set up a hotline to assist teens and adults who are in abusive relationships. All of these services are important, but they don’t come cheap. The rodeo has helped the organization with necessary funds and other resources over the years. In 2023, the California Rodeo Salinas made a bigger show of support with the iconic new belt buckle.

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