A great week of roping raising money for a cause.
Over the summer, Cody Johnson announced he would hold an inaugural roping event in Belton, Texas. The COJO Open Roping Championships lasted five days and showcased some of the best team ropers in the nation.
A gala ended the week-long event, supporting two charities: the Different Day Foundation and Texas FFA.
“Team roping has all but consumed my life since 2020, and roping is what I do to get away from the smoke and lights. When I’m out there horseback with a rope in my hand, I just get to be who I am at the core, and that’s a cowboy. I plan to participate in every roping event and I will even play golf.
I want this roping to not only grow into a life-changing event that pays ropers a pile of money and prizes, but also generates enough for charity that we change people’s lives who don’t know a steer’s head from his tail. It’s very important to me to give back, and putting on this roping keeps me very connected with my love of the game…”
After the event’s conclusion, Cody Johnson took to social media, sharing how delighted he was with how it went. Not only did team ropers participate in the competition and go home with some large checks, but they also raised a significant amount of money for charity.
“All right, guys, we are officially done. We are wrapping up the first Cody Johnson Championship event, and it has been one of the coolest weeks of my life. This is the most fun I’ve ever had at a team roping or really a rodeo at all. Not only did we have great roping, we raised a ton of money for charity.
Last night, about halfway through the auction at the gala that we had, I looked at Brandy and said, ‘Are you still worried?’ You know, with tears in her eyes. $719,000 and some change. I think we even had some add-ons that we haven’t added up yet for charity to go to the Different Day Foundation and Texas FFA.
Today was one of the best days of team roping I’ve ever witnessed in my life…”
Johnson then took a second to brag on his roping abilities as he threw down in the Pro-Am competition (and if you’re an avid Johson fan, you probably already know he’s no stranger to the roping pen). After bragging about himself, though, Johnson choked up as he thanked everyone who made this event possible. Brandy stepped in and thanked everyone who attended, bought merchandise, participated in the gala, and competed.
With full hearts, the couple says they can’t wait to see everyone next year, and Johnson notes that the COJO open will soon be the biggest roping event in the nation.
“This is going to wind up being one of the biggest ropings in America. A first-year program is not supposed to run this smooth, but we hit a home run. So, we will see you guys next year at the second Cody Johnson Championship Event.”
It’s beyond incredible that the first year went off without a hitch. The competitors had a blast roping some outstanding livestock, and the attendees helped support two great foundations.
Cody and Brandy Johnson are good people, and I can’t wait to watch this annual event grow and continue to impact the community positively.
“Dear Rodeo”
