About the Founder
To share a little backstory behind the start of DTBAC, and how our founder came about the idea, please enjoy this article written by the Carson Valley Times:
The idea was born over conversation at family dinner. Within 12 hours, there was a Facebook page live online and a mission statement sitting on the table.
“I always had it in mind to start a non-profit,” Hannah-Beth Tems said. “I just couldn’t find my idea.”
Tems, a longtime rodeo competitor, spent most of last year practicing with a friend who wasn’t able to afford the cost of actually competing.
“Her story really inspired me to put a foot forward and do something to help her,” Tems said. “I understand the idea because I am a first generation cowgirl myself.
“We aren’t a rodeo family. I wasn’t born into it, I just had a drive for it. It was hard breaking in. I know there are kids out there with the drive for it, they just don’t know how to get started. I want to help open doors for them too. It’s just taking that first step that is the hardest part.”
Tems, 16 and a senior at Douglas High School at the time, is the founder of “Dare to Be a Cowboy” – a non-profit geared toward helping youth across the country participate in rodeo.
Since the official launch, the idea has quickly spread nationwide. Tems has found herself juggling a heavy media schedule along with her rodeo career, and a full time job. And there’s that whole part of running an actual non-profit as well.
The quick spread, though, came as a shock.
“We initially though it would be something local, just in Northern Nevada, to get our feet on the ground and figure out how this was going to work,” Hannah-Beth said. “But it went straight across the country. I’ve done an interview with a publication in Illinois and another in Oklahoma.”
“Every cowboy or cowgirl has this kind of an organization in the back of their mind because we all know how expensive it is,” Hannah-Beth said. “I’m lucky enough to be able to do. But for a lot of kids, there is a barrier there that prevents them from participating.
“Rodeo is considered a dying sport. That really makes me sad because it is the best environment. Rodeo has provided me with so much in terms of responsibility and work ethic and friendships. It’s something I want to be doing 20 years from now. I want other kids to have those same opportunities.
“I see Dare to Be a Cowboy as a vehicle to advertise the sport and make it more accessible.”
The foundation will take nominations from across the country for youth in need of assistance with finances, training or equipment. It then turns to sponsors, donors and trainers to find the resources to help get nominees started.
The process for accepting donations of equipment, training and finances has been established through the foundation’s Web site at www.daretobeacowboy.com.
“I’ve been surprised by the response so far,” she said. “I knew it was a good idea, but I never thought it would catch on quite like this. I didn’t realize there was nothing really out there like this. It’s unique, and it shows in how interested everyone has been in supporting this."
To stay updated with the founder, go follow her at any of the various locations:
Instagram: @hannahbethvirginia
Website: www.hannahbethvirginia.com
Youtube: youtube.com/hannahbethvirginia