CASA Monroe Rodeo – Action-Packed Fun for a Great Cause: Buck Child Abuse!
Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on CASA Monroe Rodeo – Action-Packed Fun for a Great Cause: Buck Child Abuse!
Recently, we at East Tennessee’s Mountain Views were introduced to CASA Monroe. They are a great organization whose vision is for every child who has been abused and neglected in Monroe County, Tennessee, to be given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home. This month, we at had the opportunity to speak with Becca Dodson, the Development Director at CASA Monroe, to learn more about this wonderful organization.
MV: Tell us about CASA Monroe and what its mission is.
Becca: CASA Monroe stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Our mission is to provide trained, dedicated volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system. These children often face uncertain and difficult situations, and our volunteers step in to ensure their voices are heard, their needs are met, and they have the best chance at a safe, permanent home. Through advocacy, education, and support, CASA Monroe is committed to helping children in our community thrive.
MV: Can you give us some information about your Rodeo Fundraiser on September 5 and 6?
Becca: We’re thrilled to bring back the CASA Monroe Rodeo on Friday and Saturday, September 5th and 6th! It’s two nights of action-packed fun for a great cause. The rodeo will feature bull riding, bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, team roping, calf roping, and breakaway roping. We’ll also have mutton bustin’ and a calf scramble for the kids. Gates open at 6:00 PM, mutton bustin’ begins at 6:30, and the main rodeo starts at 8:00 PM. It’s fun for the whole family, and every ticket sold supports our work with local children.
MV: How much are tickets and how can our readers purchase them?
Becca: Tickets are available now at www.casamonroerodeo.com and www.casamonroe.org. Pricing details and VIP packages are available on the www.casamonroe.org site as well!
MV: CASA Monroe’s rodeo in 2024 won a special award. Can you tell us about that?
Becca: Yes! We were honored to be recognized as one of the Top 5 New Rodeos of the Year by the IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Association). IPRA is the second-largest rodeo organization in the United States and Canada. That recognition means a lot to us and to our community — and we’re aiming even higher this year!
MV: We hear that Miss Rodeo USA will be at your rodeo this year. Can you give us some details?
Becca: Absolutely! We’re thrilled to welcome Miss Rodeo USA 2025, Megan Kelly. She’ll be with us both nights of the rodeo meeting fans, taking photos, and supporting our mission. She’s a fantastic ambassador for the sport, and a wonderful role model for young fans.
MV: CASA has other resources available to families. Can you tell us about them?
Becca: While our primary role is advocacy for children in the court system, we work closely with local organizations and agencies to connect families with supportive services — whether it’s counseling, parenting classes, or community programs. Our volunteers often help identify what a child or family needs and help ensure they’re supported during a difficult time.
MV: How can people volunteer?
Becca: We’re always looking for passionate, caring individuals to join us as advocates. No legal background is required — we provide all the training you’ll need. Just visit www.casamonroe.org to learn more and start the application process.
MV: We heard that you have something new this year at the rodeo.
Becca: We’ve been keeping a secret, and we are thrilled to finally announce that this year, for the first time ever, Mitchell’s Petting Zoo & Exotics will be bringing an exclusive petting zoo experience to the 2025 CASA Monroe Rodeo!! This one-of-a-kind opportunity will give you the chance to engage with an array of agricultural and exotic animals! Take advantage of this incredible opportunity and their all-new kangaroo encounter with Baby Jack! Come meet and learn all about Mitchell’s: Nilgai Antelope, Sulcata Tortoise, Goat, Audad, Alpaca, Prairie Dog, Brahman Cow, African Crested Porcupine, Red Kangaroo, and a few other animals!
The cost is only $2, plus $1 to feed these awesome animals! The exclusive kangaroo encounter with Baby Jack is an additional $5 which includes holding and taking your picture with the baby kangaroo!
They are awesome supporters of CASA Monroe and will be donating a portion of their proceeds to this organization!
MV: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Becca: Yes! Recently, CASA Monroe was recognized and awarded as the 2025 Organization of the Year at the Annual Awards Banquet and Auction held by the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce in May.
Also, we’d like to thank Tate’s Building Supply as our headlining Diamond Sponsor of the rodeo for the 3rd year in a row! We’re also incredibly grateful to our community for supporting CASA Monroe and helping us make a difference in children’s lives.
The rodeo is not just a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community, compassion, and hope. We hope to see everyone there on September 5th and 6th!
CASA Monroe
401 College Street Madisonville, TN 37354
https://casamonroe.org/
(423)442-2750
CASA MONROE RODEO
WHERE: Legacy Horse Ranch, Rarity Bay
170 Rarity Bay Parkway, Vonore, TN
WHEN: September 5th & 6th
6:00 Gates Open
6:30 Mutton Busting
8:00 Main Rodeo
COST: See CasaMonroeRodeo.com to view the many pricing options available.
“I’m grateful to be the voice a child may need! By working closely with parents and families, and providing support as they navigate life challenges, my role is to help ensure that every child is safe and is thriving in a healthy environment.” ~Stephanie, CASA Monroe Child Advocate
“I had done my research prior to applying to be an advocate with CASA. I was applying to grad school and was looking for volunteer opportunities, but I wanted to do something that would make a lasting impact. On the surface, they advocate for children who find themselves in the court system because of abuse or neglect, but they are so much more. They have created a community that builds up people from all walks of life. Any challenges that I face, I know that I have a great group of people at CASA Monroe behind me to help guide me. I try my best to be the voice for children, putting only their best interest as my focus. I build relationships with these kids and think about them often. These kids are put in my path for a reason. I like to think that I make an impact on these children, but I know the kids are the ones that make a huge impact on me. Each child is different and beautiful in so many ways. Becoming an advocate was the best decision that I could have made, and I would make that decision 1000 times over again.” -Bailey Brannon, CASA Monroe Advocate since 2024
