The champions weren’t in the arena Thursday night at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo.
Instead, they were inside a tent where young cancer patients, some showing the effects of their treatment, were recognized during the Golden Circle of Champions dinner at the Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center.
“This is my favorite time of the rodeo week — best night ever. You’re going to see rodeo champions competing, cowboys vying for that coveted buckle, but we all know something in this room tonight,” said Tina Tonascia, founder of the Golden Circle of Champions and chief operations officer for the Elks Rodeo.
“There is nobody — nobody — more of a champion than what you children are going through.”
The young dignitaries had the chance to fill a bag with treats from a candy buffet, pose for pictures with Willy Wonka (more familiar to most as Mike Ostini), meet rodeo performers and more.
After dinner by The Hitching Post, the champions received backpacks, cowboy hats and belt buckles — the rodeo equivalent of a trophy — before heading to the grandstands to watch the action in the arena.
“You are the true champions, and we are here to celebrate you tonight,” Tonascia said.
The Golden Circle of Champions, marking its 10th year, was inspired by Lexi Brown, a 12-year-old girl who died in 2016 after battling cancer.
Designed to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research, events such as the one held Thursday night provide a brief break from illness and treatment to focus on fun.
“This program has been incredible and is so near and dear to so many people’s hearts,” Tonascia said.
The key fundraising gala falls on the Saturday of rodeo weekend.
Additionally, a cowboy boot is passed through the grandstands during each rodeo performance to collect donations.
There’s also an online donation option via the organization’s website.
Since its start in Santa Maria for children spanning from 3 months to 17 years old, the program has spread to rodeos across the United States and into Canada, including National Finals Rodeos in both countries.
NFR held in Las Vegas in December celebrates Golden Circle champions with children repressing other rodeos. The young cancer-fighters are paired up with NFR contestants for fun, including getting to rope a calf dummy, riding bouncy horses, and creating arts and crafts. They also get to cheer on the athletes as they compete.
During the 10-day NFR, the first Saturday has been set aside for Golden Circle of Champions — “by far the most special day for me because we get to honor champions from two dozen committees all over the country,” Tim Keener, Las Vegas Events president, said Thursday.
He recalled seeing the smiles on the faces of the children and their parents at the events during NFR.
“That’s what really warms our heart. Golden Circle of Champions is a wonderful event. We’re just humbled to be part of it,” Keener said.
Golden Circle has gained the backing of businesses on the Central Coast and nationally.
As the champions accepted their buckles and hats Thursday night, some shyly answered questions while others, including Ellie Georges, confidently responded.
When Tonascia asked an excited Ellie her favorite rodeo event, the girl answered, “Barrel racing,” before adding, “Duh.”
“I’ve never seen this young lady without a smile, so let that be a lesson to each and every one of you in this room,” Tonascia said. “That’s what you see every time you meet Miss Ellie.”
The 83rd annual Elks Rodeo continues through Sunday. The parade, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, will travel along Broadway between Mill Street and Enos Drive.
For more information or rodeo tickets, go to elksrec.com.