Since 1989
Built By Our Community, For Our Community
Founded in 1989, our roots run deep within the Canadian professional rodeo circuit. We recognize the harsh reality of the sport: rodeo athletes are completely self-employed. They don't have corporate sick leave or traditional workplace coverage. When they suffer a catastrophic injury, the financial consequences hit instantly—affecting not just their performance goals, but their day-to-day survival on the ranch, farm, or job site that provides their primary or secondary living. We fill in the gap so they can focus on their recovery.
John Windwick
Chair
A community leader with nearly 40 years in the financial sector, John has dedicated much of his free time to Western heritage as Commissioner of the Canadian Finals Rodeo and past Chair of Edmonton Northlands. He currently brings his passion for athlete welfare and community service to his role as Chair of the Cowboy Benevolent Foundation.
Our Mission is to ensure that CPRA carded professional cowboys and cowgirls have a secure financial safety net when faced with serious, career-altering injuries. Run by an uncompensated volunteer board of directors, every dollar we manage is dedicated directly toward helping our rodeo family recover with a dignified and efficient financial boost from behind the scenes.
Board of Directors
Laura Gadowsky
Board Member
Laura is the President of Gadowsky Special Event Management. With over 40 years of event management experience including conferences, sporting events and provincial celebrations. She has worked in the air show industry for over 20 years. Laura is a founding member of the Foundation and a past Chair.
Denny Phipps
Board Member
Denny is a retired bareback rider and multiple time CFR qualifier. He now serves as CEO for the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA) and is a former CPRA Assistant GM prior to that. .
Jeff Robson
Board Member
President & CEO of Vada Capital, Jeff also served as the General Manager for the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association for a decade, and continues to serve as Chair for the Hockey Alberta Foundation.
Kynan Vine
Board Member
Kynan Vine is a lifelong rodeo professional and industry leader with decades of experience as a competitor, producer, and executive. As a former professional bullfighter and second-generation rodeo producer, Kynan has worked at the highest levels of the sport, including the Calgary Stampede, The American Rodeo, Canadian Finals Rodeo, and Cloverdale Rodeo. He has dedicated his career to advancing rodeo through strong leadership, innovation, and a commitment to the people and communities that make the sport possible. Kynan is proud to have served as a board member for the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Association
Ken Knowles
Board Member
Retired president & CEO, Northlands
Dave Majeski
Board Member
Dave Majeski retired from RBC Royal Bank after a long career. His last posting was Vice President. Dave was honoured with a number of awards including the Distinguished Citizen Award by MacEwan University accompanied by an Honorary Bachelor Degree and was also inducted into City of Edmonton Salute to Excellence Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to community. Dave continues an active and dedicated community leader and builder. He holds an Institute of Corporate Director’s diploma and serves as a Director on a number of boards. Dave is passionate about the sport of rodeo and served on the CFR commission for a number of years.
Keep the safety net strong.
Stand behind the cowboys and cowgirls who give us their all. Your financial contributions are what keep this foundation ready to deploy aid the moment an emergency happens. We offer seamless, secure, and tax-deductible online giving, or direct physical mail-in donations. Your gift helps us bridge the financial gap, ensuring that a sidelined athlete can focus entirely on healing while we help offset the rest.
