What began as a week-long vendor booth at The Mercantile during the College National Finals Rodeo became something much bigger than we could have imagined.

From June 14–20, our Jae Foundation Wyoming team set up shop inside the Wyo Sports Ranch in Casper, Wyoming with a simple goal: create opportunities for conversations that matter. Through hats, hoodies, boots, and countless meaningful interactions, we had the privilege of sharing our mission of mental health awareness, suicide prevention, healing, and hope with rodeo fans and families from across the country.

Throughout the week, hundreds of conversations took place. Supporters from Wyoming and beyond left Casper wearing Jae Foundation gear and carrying the message of hope back to their own communities. Every purchase and every interaction helped create greater awareness and reminded us that simple moments of connection can have lasting impact.

One of the most special moments of the week was hosting Wyoming’s first-ever Boot-Check LIVE. Thanks to the generosity of the McMurry Foundation, our approximate 200 attendees enjoyed a meal prepared by Eggington’s while Joey Patterson provided live music before the rodeo. More importantly, neighbors, friends, and strangers gathered around a shared belief that people matter and that checking in on one another can change lives. The evening was everything we had hoped for—an opportunity to bring the community together and create more Boot-Check moments.

Weeks like this remind us that our mission is carried forward by people. We are grateful to the team at Wyo Sports Ranch and The Mercantile for their incredible hospitality and partnership, to the McMurry Foundation for making Boot-Check LIVE possible, to Eggington’s and Joey Patterson for helping create such a memorable evening, and to the volunteers and supporters who poured so much energy into making the entire week a success.

Though the CNFR ended, the momentum continues. This summer, we are preparing for retreats, investing in our team and our greater community, and continuing construction on Jae’s Place Wyoming in Casper. With our permanent home scheduled to open later this summer, we are eagerly anticipating welcoming high school seniors and communities from across the state this fall.

The conversations started during CNFR are only the beginning. We believe the seeds planted throughout the week will continue to grow as more people join us in creating connection, offering hope, and reminding others that they are never alone.

Thank you for being part of our One Jae Fam.