Flaco Guapo Media, Jim Sánchez
SAN ANGELO – The Junior League of San Angelo’s 9th annual, Western Dance fundraiser simultaneously “kicked up its heels”, and put its “best foot forward.” This year’s 2023 theme was “Dancing in the Desert.”
Ethan Bannar and his date, Rebecca Dean "kicked up their heels" at the Junor League of San Angelo's 9th annual, Western Dance held at the Fort Concho Stables on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
The first one, “kicked up its heels”, occurred when JLSA’s committee selected as its live entertainment one of the hottest, up-and-coming singer, songwriter, Gracie York from Rockwall, Texas. York’s band members included: Jax Rounsavall, electric guitar, Jose Peña, bass, and Mason Waller, drums.
The JLSA committee chose York because it wanted a woman to represent their gender. Also, Gracie represented many of the members intrinsic traits such as being gracious, respectful, etc.
Among York’s songs performed during the two-hour set included a song from her “Words To Say” released EP, titled “Rodeo Queen.” The lyrics to the song symbolically compare love to the sport of rodeo and not wanting it to be a game.
They pull open that gate and you think "hey maybe this is my time If I just hang on for that long eight second ride" Well I got news for you My heart ain't the same thing as that bull I may be tough but this is too much
I don't know you well enough, cowboy But I've done this enough To know it ain't real love You can't ride my heart away I'm telling you, baby I ain't your rodeo queen I ain't your rodeo queen.”
https://www.shazam.com/track/540472754/rodeo-queen
As for the second phrase, “best foot forward,” it was directly related to gracious hosts: Casey Thieman, JLSA Board President, Courtney Waren, President-Elect, 12 other board members, and 27 volunteers who welcomed supporters’ generous support of seven items up for bid later during the 9:30 p.m. auction. This year's JLSA auctioneer was Wade Kirkwood, Program Director from West Texas Boys Ranch.
Those other board members include: Catherine “Cat” King, Internal VP, Taylor Ball Watson, Community VP, Anna Augustin, Recording Secretary, Amanda Ritchie Ethridge, Treasurer, Tiffany Sheppard Farris, Treasurer-Elect, Stacy Greaves, Immediate Past President (ex-officio), Mattie San Juan, Provisional, Ashley Harper, Nominating & Placement, Lindsey Henry, Communications, Sadie Farr, Fund Development, Cameron Wilson, Grant Writing, Berkeley Puckitt, Sustaining Advisor (ex-officio).
Prior to that though JLSA guests and supporters were served Teriyaki Chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, and tea catered by Mesquite Bean.
Wade Kirkwood, Program Director, West Texas Boys Ranch was JLSA’s auctioneer.
The funds from bids on those items will benefit all of its nonprofit programs: Student Closet, Children’s Literacy Project, Done in a Day, Kids in the Kitchen, P.A.C.K. (Personally Accessible Care Kits), and Touch-A-Truck. The nonprofit’s projected fundraising goal for this year was $70,000.
Brandy Lloyd, JLSA member pitched in to do her part in making this year's 2023 nonprofit fundraiser a huge success.
JLSA’s newest program, “Home Run Heroes” will be held on March 13, 2023 at the Central High School baseball field from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. HRH fosters a love of the game, friendships, and teamwork within special needs students of the Concho Valley. For registration info, contact Kayla Hood at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Junior League of San Angelo’s mission statement says it is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
