FWSSR 2021 Summer Newsletter

Volunteer Spotlight Philip Schutts is among the most hardworking and dedicated volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. The Fort Worth native has gone about helping the Show whenever asked with little fanfare for more than 40 years. While some of his roles are official, including serving as chairman of the Nominating Committee, others have been more ad hoc such as suiting up in a Moos Brothers (Stock Show mascots) costume for nine innings of Texas Rangers Baseball in the August heat. In between, he serves as Parade Committee Chairman, is a Calf Scramble Committee member, announces the Invitational Ranch Horse Show and has assisted in the production of rodeo performances as well as the Wild West Show, held in the Watt Arena during the Stock Show’s centennial and for several years afterward. To say Philip is a FWSSR “jack of all trades” is an understatement. After graduating from Paschal High School, he earned a BBA from Texas A&M, then returned to work in his family’s business; Stafford-Lowdon Printing. He later worked for two local radio stations as well as managing and piloting corporate aircraft for Fort Worth business executives. Although he’s modest when speaking about his roles, his actions eloquently describe a lifelong Stock Show love and passion. “My grandfather, William Lowdon, began taking me to the Show when I was a child. I’ve always felt an obligation to support the Stock Show because of what it means not just for Fort Worth, but the youth that benefit tremendously by participating. “There’s not another experience like the Stock Show to gain an appreciation for our city’s identity and character. Our western heritage roots run deep here and the Stock Show epitomizes not just the flavor of Fort Worth, but the “can do” spirit of those men and women that have made our city great. “One will acquire lots of great Stock Show memories over the years. Suiting up as a Moos Brother and choreographing and announcing the Wild West Show are two that stand out among many others. “The Stock Show does an awesome job of reflecting both the livestock industry’s rich past and promising future. It’s remained true to tradition and its roots while providing activities and competitions for youth to learn and excel in the livestock industry.” Thirty years ago, one of Patsy Malone’s friends called to see if she could fill in for her at the Information Booth at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Patsy said yes, embarking on 30 years of service to the Stock Show and helping guests create great memories. In those days, the Information Booth volunteers kept up with city events, lodging, transportation and restaurants and any other information our visitors might want to know about, especially the North Side. Today, Patsy serves on the Ambassador Committee, sporting one of the distinctive purple jackets and a big smile. In fact, she was the first official Ambassador Committee member when it was formed in 2012. She is an incredibly active volunteer, serving on the board of directors of the Texas Association of Healthcare Volunteers (TAHV), helping at Texas Health Huguley – where she was named Volunteer of the Year – and serving on the Huguley Gala Committee and co- chairing the TAHV convention. Born in Granbury, Texas, Patsy and her family moved to Fort Worth when she was five years old. She attended Fort Worth public schools and enjoyed an impressive career first as an administrative assistant at A. Brandt Furniture Company for 35 years, then in sales with the Stewart Corp. and Service Corporation International for 12 more where she was a member of the Million Dollar Sales Team. “The Ambassador Committee is a very important committee. These people are all over the Stock Show grounds, not just at the information booths. They are all looking good in the purple jackets and are ready to welcome the people who are coming to have a good time. Information is at hand when you see a purple jacket. “The Stock Show’s greatest contribution to our society is what it brings to the youth. Whether it is a painting displayed in the art contest that the whole family can come to view, or the many children who come for the day in the School Tour Program to be guided on their tour by an FFA student, or the thousands who bring animals, they all are being taught leadership and discipline. These children are our future. “Watching the Stock Show grow for 30 years has been an adventure. Keep an eye out for those purple jackets and big smiles. Our Ambassador Committee volunteers have the information you need to make your FWSSR experience a great memory.” PHILIP SCHUTTS PATSY MALONE 8