MERIDIAN — It was their first rodeo, and they did it right.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up to serve by turning their first Sheriff’s Rodeo into real-world support for two local organizations that help families in crisis.
This week, the department presented donation checks to Wesley House Community Center and Care Lodge, both of which provide essential services to children, families and individuals across the region. The contributions were made possible through proceeds from the First Annual Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Rodeo.
The rodeo, held in November at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center, drew strong community turnout for two nights of bull riding, bronc riding, roping events, barrel racing, and children’s attractions like mutton busting. With local sponsors and high attendance, the event raised more than $17,000 for charity.
Sheriff Ward Calhoun told reporters that the purpose of the event was to give back to organizations that work closely with law enforcement and play a critical role in moments of crisis.
Wesley House offers child advocacy, sexual-assault crisis services and family support programs. Care Lodge provides shelter and resources for victims of domestic violence. Both agencies say the donations will directly strengthen their ability to meet growing needs in the community.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked attendees, sponsors and volunteers for making the inaugural rodeo a success and announced that dates for the second annual event will be released after the first of the year.
