For the first time ever, the Responder Relief Foundation organized a gymkhana this summer at the Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth. A group of about 20 entrants gathered to compete in speed events like poles, the keyhole and barrel racing. Onlookers were supportive and enthusiastic, especially for the PeeWee class, despite a few sprinkles of rain and gray clouds.
Jaime Babcock, whose daughter Lexi participated in the June 24 gymkhana, said, “Lexi is always looking for a chance to ride and a weeknight in the summer is fun with horse friends! She is planning to rodeo in college so we try and get all the practice we can get and video for college coaches!”
Queen Madison Montoya and Princess McKinley Holden helped set the events and joined in cheering on the participants. Montoya said the Responder Relief Foundation exists to “honor, support, and stand beside the first responders who protect our communities every single day.”
“Since our founding in 2016, we’ve focused on providing mental health resources, helping families in crisis, awarding EMS scholarships, and raising awareness of the unique challenges first responders face both on and off duty. At every rodeo, parade, and community event, our ambassadors carry that mission forward so these heroes know they’re never alone,” she went on.
For Montoya, this mission is personal. “My dad is a first responder,” she said, “so I’ve grown up seeing the long nights, the stress, and the courage it takes to answer every call. Wearing this crown gives me a chance to give back to the people who give everything for us. It lets me use my voice to spotlight their sacrifices, to rally support for their mental health, and to remind our entire community that behind every badge is a family who also serves. Representing Responder Relief isn’t just an honor, it’s my way of saying ‘thank you.’”
The mission of the Responder Relief Foundation is to recognize, represent and remember first responders through the challenges they face while living out John 15:12-13: “My Command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
There are still two gymkhanas scheduled in the series — July 22 at 5:30 p.m., also at Casey Jones Park, and the second on Aug. 15 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa.
The Responder Relief Rodeo Hometown Hoedown is scheduled for Aug. 15 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds with the Responder Relief Rodeo following on the next day, Aug. 16. The rodeo will feature live music by Brian Brooks’ Sundown Rising.
To learn more about the Responder Relief Foundation, visit rrfoundation2016.com or their Facebook page at facebook.com/RRFoundation2016.