When asked to name two individuals who epitomize the ideals of the country and western lifestyle, and specifically the Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association (ASGRA), we couldn't think of better pair of individuals. It is an honor to announce that our Grand Marshals for the Atlantic Stampede 2000 are Les Boggs and Mike Lentz. In 1999, Les and Mike were the inaugural recipients of ASGRA's Golden Lariat Award, which was created to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions by ASGRA members. Les and Mike, we are proud to honor both of you this weekend. We want to thank both of you for your support of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community, the country western lifestyle, our Gay Rodeo, and the Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association. Thanks for being such an important part of it all!
Mike Lentz was the founding President of ASGRA. Anytime anyone had a question about how something can be accomplished, who should be contacted, what we've done in the past, whatever, we go to Mike. He's present at almost every ASGRA-sponsored event, often spending the whole day making sure the event will be a success.
Mike has been our BHT Representative, a judge for our Royalty Competition, a Judge at many IGRA sanctioned rodeos, ASGRA's Trustee on the IGRA Board, and the one person we can count on to ensure we stay on track as an organization. The latter is evident by Mike's ASGRA nickname, "Mama."
Les Boggs is one of the most loyal members of ASGRA, and his contributions go far beyond Stampede itself. Les translates that loyalty and his enthusiasm into dedicated attention to the many demands of serving our Association. He has given countless hours to ASGRA, often behind the scenes. Les has never taken on a job for recognition, but to help strengthen ASGRA, whatever the personal cost.
Les has served ASGRA as Fund Raising Chair, Vice President, and during the Summer of 1999 he took over as the Association's President mid-stream making certain the organization ran smoothly through the transition. We salute him as a dedicated leader, volunteer, and a rodeo competitor.
We dedicate Atlantic Stampede 2000, our 9th annual rodeo, to everyone who got involved in the rodeo this year - Our Volunteers!
Last year as part of our on-going recognition of volunteer commitment, ASGRA made a contribution of $300 to Metro Teen AIDS in honor of over 300 volunteers, not just at Atlantic Stampede '99, but all ASGRA activities throughout the year. In addition, our 50 volunteers were honored by the Board of Directors for outstanding volunteer contributions. Ten organizations were also given award recognition for their support during the 1999 rodeo season.
The Volunteers that have made Atlantic Stampede 2000 a success, and ASGRA volunteers involved in other activities and events throughout the year, will be honored during our annual Volunteer's & Awards Ceremony on October 15, 2000.
