ALL IN FOR THE FUTURE: Boots & BBQ: Rodeo Royale returns with more ways to play

Members of the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Advocates gathered recently to kick off the 14th annual Boots & BBQ: Rodeo Royale. This year’s event will support The Future of Care Is Here and key priorities at UNC Health Southeastern.

By Heather Walters

After a successful Rodeo Royale last year, the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Advocates are ready to raise the stakes for the 14th annual Boots & BBQ while putting this year’s event behind an important message: The Future of Care Is Here.

Set for Friday, November 20, at the Robeson County Fairgrounds, Rodeo Royale will build on last year’s casino-inspired evening with the addition of a professional gaming experience from Casino Party Aces.

Presented by Jackpot Sponsor Liberty Health, the evening will feature professional casino-style tables and dealers, raffle prizes, live music from the Parks Brothers and Fuller’s BBQ.

“Rodeo Royale was a great evening last year, and I think what made it work so well was that there was something for everyone,” said Kevin Fraley, co-chair of the Foundation Advocates. “This year, we’re taking the casino experience up a notch, and I’m really looking forward to the Parks Brothers. They’re going to bring a great energy to the night. Whether you want to play, listen to the band, enjoy good food or spend the evening with friends, there’s a reason to come and be part of it.”

Behind the evening is a group that has been an integral part of the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation for years.

The Foundation Advocates have long helped connect the Foundation, the health care system, and the community. For many, that involvement has grown into continued leadership, with Advocates going on to serve on the Foundation Board of Trustees while remaining connected to Boots & BBQ.

Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Joe Williams knows that path firsthand. Williams was part of the Foundation Advocates in the group’s early years before his service eventually grew into his current leadership role.

“The Advocates are really where my involvement with the Foundation began,” said Williams. “It gave me a chance, at a younger age, to get involved, learn more about our health system, and see firsthand the difference the Foundation can make in our community. I know from my own experience how important it is to give the next generation a seat at the table. I’m proud of what this group has become and the impact they continue to make through Boots & BBQ.”

Throughout the event’s 14-year history, the Advocates have wanted Boots & BBQ to do more than host a successful night. They have wanted the proceeds to make a difference and to have a voice in identifying where those dollars can benefit both UNC Health Southeastern and the community it serves.

This year, that opportunity is The Future of Care Is Here.

The Foundation effort brings together three priorities: UNC Health Southeastern’s transformation into a Level III Trauma Center, enhanced healthcare simulation and training, and mentorship opportunities designed to encourage future healthcare professionals.

The Level III Trauma Center transformation will strengthen the hospital’s ability to care for more seriously injured patients close to home. Enhanced simulation will provide hands-on training for physicians, fellows, residents, nurses, and other members of the care team. Mentorship looks further ahead, connecting young people with healthcare professionals and introducing them to careers in medicine.

“The future of healthcare is not something we are simply waiting for,” said Joe Roberts, MD, vice president and chief medical officer at UNC Health Southeastern. “Our transformation into a Level III Trauma Center is an important step forward in our ability to care for more seriously injured patients. Getting there requires expanded education and training, and simulation gives our teams the opportunity to prepare together for complex and critical situations. We are strengthening our people and preparing to provide an even higher level of care for the patients who depend on us.”

UNC Health Southeastern’s growing Graduate Medical Education program is already bringing residents and fellows here to train and care for patients alongside experienced physicians and clinical teams. In addition to preparing the next generation of physicians, the program gives them an opportunity to become part of UNC Health Southeastern and this community, with the hope that some will ultimately choose to stay and practice here.

“Through the Foundation, our community plays an important role in helping move UNC Health Southeastern forward,” said UNC Health Southeastern President and CEO Chris Ellington. “That support has made a difference across our organization, helping us address needs today while also planning for what is ahead. We are fortunate to have people who believe in this health system, understand its importance to our region, and are committed to ensuring a strong future for healthcare in our community.”

Major sponsors will be essential to the success of this year’s Boots & BBQ. Businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to go all in alongside Jackpot Sponsor Liberty Health and the Foundation Advocates, helping make Rodeo Royale a success while supporting the priorities behind The Future of Care Is Here.

For co-chairs Kaye and Kevin Fraley, the goal is to pair that purpose with an evening people genuinely don’t want to miss.

Casino Party Aces will bring professionally staffed gaming tables to the fairgrounds, while the Parks Brothers will provide live music throughout the evening. Guests can enjoy Fuller’s BBQ, raffle prizes, gaming, dancing, or all of the above.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at several levels, giving businesses, organizations, and individuals a way to be part of Rodeo Royale while investing in healthcare here at home.

The 14th annual Boots & BBQ: Rodeo Royale will be held Friday, November 20, at the Robeson County Fairgrounds.

The boots are back. The barbecue is back. Rodeo Royale is back. And the Advocates are all in for the future.

For major sponsorship opportunities or information about attending Boots & BBQ: Rodeo Royale, contact the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation at sefoundation@unchealth.unc.edu or (910) 671-5583.

Heather Walters is the manager of Donor Experience & Engagement for the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation.