In the western culture, few people would not agree, that when it comes to country music, George Strait is the “King of the Cowboys.”  But when it comes to Western Wishes, George Strait is the king of benevolence.  In the past three years, George has raised over $30,000 for Western Wishes through his famous George Strait Team Roping Classic, held annually in March at the San Antonio Rose Palace in Boerne, Texas.

Jessica with her birthday cake and George

In 2000, 12-year old Jessica Schmidt, battling Cystic Fibrosis, had her wish to meet George at his roping.  It just so happened to be her birthday and George surprised her with gifts and a cake.  Jessica said, “I was shaking so hard and was at a loss for words!”  To a little Texas cowgirl, this was the memory of a lifetime. Jessica is still battling the disease and Western Wishes celebrates her fighting spirit.

In 2011, 5-year old Kaleb Dorr, from Oklahoma, who comes from a roping family, got to meet George.  Needless to say, it was a thrill for the entire family.  Kaleb suffers from a rare condition called Tars Syndrome and is such a character….he goes with the flow and just loves to hang out with cowboys!   His condition does not slow him down and he continues to be a national poster child for Western Wishes along with Texan Chandler Davis, and Colorado wish recipient Mackenzie Matarozzo.

Kaleb with George

George Strait’s contribution is inspiring and appreciated by all the wish families and kids who look up to rodeo champions and country stars.  Needless to say, like Clay Walker, George is the best of both worlds for our wish kids.  Through a partnership with Priefert Ranch Equipment, auctioning off the roping chute after the famous event, we thank the George Strait Team Roping Classic for his continued support.  Thank you Linda Scales, Executive Director, David Fillebrown, Priefert Ranch Equipment!

Thank you George for making dreams come true for kids who are crazy about ropers and country music!