Lee County Posse Arena logo Lee County PosseRestore the Stands

Hurricane Helene took half the stands.

Bring them back.

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The campaign film1:56 · captioned

Since 1960, families from all over Lee County have filled these seats for the Cracker Day Rodeo, the Fort Myers Pro Rodeo, Gulf Coast Youth Livestock, Friday night jackpots and the Junior Posse. Watch the film, then give. Every dollar is matched, up to $50,000.

1960Posse founded
½Seating lost
$50KMatch on the table

Take a seat in the comeback.

Every dollar doubled.

With the match$100 + $100

Kobie Cooling, the BABA Foundation, and Margo and Casey Crowther are matching community donations dollar for dollar, up to a combined $50,000. Your gift goes twice as far while matching funds remain.

Secure card checkout through Square. No extra fee added to your gift.

Goal
$150,000
Match cap
$50,000
Raised + pledged match
$1,920

$960 donated online + $960 pledged match. Before processing fees.
Updated · Refreshed weekly.

Built by our community

Families Building the Future.

Every family. Every neighbor. A place for the next generation.

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    Help build the future

    September 2024

    Half the stands. Wiped out.

    Hurricane Helene sent tornadoes through North Fort Myers. Roughly half of the arena's permanent seating was destroyed.

    Many events here are free for spectators. The stands are where the whole county shows up, and right now half of those seats are gone.

    Read the storm report ↗

    Hurricane Helene The arena's aluminum grandstand frame twisted and collapsed in the flooded arena after Hurricane Helene
    The grandstand after Hurricane Helene.

    Life at the arena

    Built by generations.

    Rodeo nights, first ribbons and the volunteers who make it all happen. This is who the stands are for.

    Five young rodeo riders gathered beside the arena chutes
    By the chutes
    Flag riders during the Grand Entry
    The Grand Entry
    Junior Posse members beneath the Home of the Cracker Day Rodeo sign
    Junior Posse
    Families with young children smiling together at the arena
    Family night
    Families and young riders at the Cracker Day Rodeo
    Cracker Day Rodeo
    Rodeo volunteers and young people by the sponsor banners
    The crew

    What your gift builds

    Plank by plank.

    Four rows still stand. Four are wiped out.

    Rows restored0 of 4

    Keep scrolling to rebuild the stands

    Help build it for real
    RESTORED

    Good ground for growing up.

    Since 1960.

    A few local men and women started the Lee County Posse in 1960. It's grown into a nonprofit with hundreds of members, and a place where kids learn what a horse teaches.

    66years in the saddle
    in North Fort Myers
    1. 1960The Posse is founded by local riders.
    2. WeeklyFriday night jackpots and youth rodeo.
    3. YearlyThe Cracker Day Rodeo fills the stands.
    4. 2024Hurricane Helene wipes out half the seating.
    5. NowThe county comes together to rebuild.

    Responsibility

    Caring for a horse and getting ready to ride teach kids that trust is earned through steady work.

    Sportsmanship

    The Junior Posse is built on respect for others, fair play and competing with character.

    Discipline

    A skilled rider and a well-trained horse come from dedication, patience and time well spent.

    Some things never go out of style. Families showing up. Neighbors lending a hand. Kids learning to follow through.

    The next generation is waiting on the rail.

    Save a seat.

    Give today, then spread the word. Help bring the stands back for the next generation.

    Choose your gift