It’s no secret that Houston hosts the world’s largest Livestock Show & Rodeo, a favorite annual event for locals and visitors alike.

Nearly 2.5 million fans attended Rodeo Houston 2015 during its 20-day run, and a record-breaking $1.37 million in paid rodeo/concert attendance, causing a dynamic boost to the local economy and creating a bounty of scholarships for Texas youth.

Coterie Spark HLSR Roped Into Rodeo.Edited

We love that about the Rodeo.

But did you know that it’s also the city’s largest philanthropic event? More than 31,000 volunteers were “roped in” to make the Rodeo a reality this year, including our own President/CEO Rebecca Loeb and Creative Director Bianca Ferrer. Bianca served as Assistant Captain of the HLSR Rodeo Uncorked Roundup and Best Bites Competition, and Rebecca continued her longtime service to the Rodeo as a member of the HLSR Rodeo Uncorked Wine Sales & Events Committee.

“Rodeo is such a great tradition in Houston,” says Rebecca, who was Vice Chair of the Champion Wine Auction & Dinner in 2011, 2012 and 2013. “I think it is important to spread out your volunteer time to support the city in many capacities, but we love the fun and excitement that Rodeo brings. We feel honored to be a part of something to which so many Houstonians dedicate their time.”

This year, Bianca served as Assistant Captain for the 10th annual Round Up and Best Bites event, a tasting and competition event that hosted 5,000 guests who sampled food and drink from about 90 restaurants and hundreds of wineries. (Go, Bianca!) And this year’s Champion Wine Auction brought in $1,916,500, the majority of which goes toward educational scholarships for students in Texas. We are so proud to be a small part of this great cause.