For children facing difficult circumstances, something as simple as a new pair of shoes, a welcoming place to read or help pursuing an education can open the door to a brighter future. In Northern Nevada, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has spent 40 years working to make those opportunities possible, and now it's looking for more people to help carry that mission forward.
The foundation has announced its 2026-2027 Board of Trustees as it looks to expand its support for children and young adults, including those in rural communities. Community members who want to make a difference are invited to join its committees, regardless of whether they have nonprofit experience or belong to the Reno Rodeo Association.
Josh Iveson will serve as president and chair, with Thaaron Kalt as vice president and president-elect, Mike Torvinen as treasurer, Sandi McKee as secretary, and Craig Downie as immediate past president.
The remaining trustees are Linda Bissett, Denise Carver, Matt Cates, Tiffanie Davis, Spenser Downie, Tommy Ferraro, Judge Scott Freeman, Greg Goss, Amanda Hale, Miranda Hoover, Kristen “Kris” Kirkpatrick, Tony Marini, Christopher “Chris” Mulloy, Mark Sutton, Justin Thomsen and Brandon Towne.
Together, the board will oversee the foundation's programs, community partnerships and fundraising efforts across Northern Nevada.
The work touches several areas of children's and young adults' lives. Through its Denim Drive, the foundation provides new clothing, shoes, and essential items to children in foster care. Its Reading Rooms program creates welcoming spaces that encourage reading, while Rodeo Wish provides quality-of-life enhancements for children facing nonterminal medical, mental, and developmental conditions. The foundation also offers scholarships to help young adults pursue education and future opportunities.
“Every time someone in our community steps up to help, we have the opportunity to do something more for a child who needs us,” Iveson said. “Everything we've accomplished over the past 40 years has been possible because people in our community cared enough to get involved. There's so much more we want to do, and with more people sharing their time, talents and ideas, we can accomplish even more. If you care about kids and want to make a difference right here in Northern Nevada, we'd love to have you be part of it.”
The foundation is inviting volunteers to join six committees that support its programs and fundraising efforts.
Amanda Hale chairs the Development Committee, which builds relationships and secures resources for the foundation. Miranda Hoover leads Events & Fundraising, which brings people together to raise money and awareness, while Tiffanie Davis chairs the Denim Drive Committee.
Judge Scott Freeman chairs Reading Rooms. Scott Peterson chairs Rodeo Wish, with McKee serving as co-chair, and Tommy Ferraro leads the Scholarships Committee.
Previous volunteer experience isn't necessary, and people don't have to be Reno Rodeo Association members to participate. The foundation welcomes people with different backgrounds, skills, and connections who want to help local children and young adults.
For Cheree Boteler, the foundation's executive director, bringing more people into the effort means the organization can reach more children and create more opportunities.
“Think about what it means to a child to receive something brand-new that's just for them, to have someone make a wish they've been holding onto come true or provide something that makes their life a little easier, or to know that people in their community believe in their future,” Boteler said. “That's what we're working toward. And when more people get involved, we can reach more children, create more opportunities and remind more young people that they can pursue their dreams.”
Community members interested in joining a committee or learning more about volunteering can contact Boteler at cheree@renorodeofoundation.org or call (775) 527-2023.
The foundation says the next chapter of its work will depend on people willing to contribute their time, professional skills, or other support to help children and young adults throughout Northern Nevada.
