Growing up on a Georgia farm, Doug Yates only cared about impressing two people in the world – his mother and father.
“The only way to impress my mother was to do the right thing and to do for others,” he said. The best way to impress his father was to work hard.
Doug has done both in a signature event that has raised more than $1.2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital over the last 20 years. The annual St. Jude Rodeo is an official event of the Professional Cowboy Association attended by about 20,000 people each year. The three-day, family-friendly event is held at the Doug Yates Farm in Ringgold, GA, just south of Chattanooga, Tenn., and only a mile-and-a-half from where he grew up.
Doug works early and late for months in advance with the help of his stepson and nephew “to make sure everything is nearly perfect for the rodeo,” said his daughter, Kristy Yates. This preparation takes place in addition to Doug’s day job operating his own towing company in Chattanooga.
The rodeo is a family affair involving Doug’s wife, Sandra Priest, and many others. Kristy takes a week off from her job in Chicago to help prepare.
Everyone in my family is incredibly passionate about St. Jude and is involved in different ways. I guess you could say we have our own little event production team, with my dad being the lead.
Doug’s granddaughter, Morgan Yates, 22, grew up with the rodeo and assists with social media and contestant calls for the event, as well as participating in the rodeo by barrel racing.
“The thing I most enjoy about the rodeo is the way it brings my family and the community together,” Morgan said. “Growing up, every summer was spent getting ready and helping prepare the farm for the rodeo.”
Founder Doug Yates with supporters at the St. Jude Rodeo.
The rodeo is always scheduled during the first weekend of August, in memory of Doug’s youngest son, Jason, who died 23 years ago in a car wreck at age 16 on Aug. 7.
“My father is the most generous, compassionate and hardworking person I know,” Kristy said. “He strives to give back to a cause where he can possibly help other families never lose a loved one.”
The rodeo also has strong community support with partners including the Miller Family Foundation of Chattanooga, which paid for construction of an indoor rodeo arena on Doug’s farm. In addition, the rodeo partners with WUSY-101 FM, a country radio station in Chattanooga that participates in the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon each year.
"We will begin gearing up for the 2018 Rodeo in coming months and are already aiming for a higher goal,” Kristy said. “With the help of our loyal sponsors, vendors, volunteers and attendees, who have all become like family to us, I have no doubt we can accomplish it!"
Help our families focus on their sick child, not medical bills.
When you donate monthly, your gift means families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Read more inspiring stories
-
A sequence of festive events: ‘Gene Gnome’ delivers holiday hijinks to St. Jude
See how Gene Gnome is bringing some holiday fun to the research community at St. Jude.
-
St. Jude employees have many reasons to say thanks
In a challenging year, read why St. Jude employees are thankful this holiday season.
-
St. Jude resource group supports efforts of veterans, active duty personnel and families
Veterans are an important part of the workforce at St. Jude. Learn how the hospital’s Military Support Resource Group helps employee veterans and active duty personnel.
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude is honoring some our dedicated Hispanic employees. Learn more about their work.
-
Preparing for a Pandemic
The staff at St. Jude go above and beyond to ensure patient and employee safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Read how St. Jude employees collaborate and innovate during this time.
-
Working like a dog: St. Jude Paws at Play celebrates six months of canine care
Brittany Reed and Shandra Taylor share their thoughts on how Puggle and Huckleberry have made an impact on the hospital and their lives. Read their reflections.
-
Journey to the Jude: Escaping war and poverty in his homeland, chef Johnny Siv develops culinary talents to feed the St. Jude community
After escaping the war-torn nation of his youth, chef Johnny Siv uses food to give back to the patients at St. Jude. Read more about his remarkable journey.
-
Tracing Martine Roussel’s independent streak from Africa to the National Academy of Sciences
Martine Roussel, PhD, is renowned for investigations into molecular-level causes of cancer and strategies in developing new treatments for pediatric brain tumors. Read about her journey.
-
Chaplain Kimberly Russell uses creative talent to adapt spiritual care board for St. Jude patients
Learn how St. Jude chaplain Kimberly Russell helps non-verbal patients communicate spiritual needs.
-
Welcoming all who enter
Janice Ivory has given out tens of thousands of smiles to the patients, staff and families of St. Jude over the last 32 years.
-
Celebrating Black History Month
We reflect on our heroes: doctors, patients and supporters who have been a part of our lifesaving mission.
-
Journey to the Jude: Inspired by global adventures, postdoc recruiter Deanna Tremblay seeks world-class scientists
Inspired by her global adventures, postdoc recruiter Deanna Tremblay of Academic Programs seeks world-class scientists.
-
Pediatric Cancer Genome Project sparks a decade of discovery
Leaders at St. Jude launched a bold initiative in 2010 to define the genomic landscape of pediatric cancer.
-
‘Tis the season for science: Elf rescue teaches students fun lesson
Patients in the St. Jude School Program used math and science to rescue stranded elves. Discover how they saved the holidays.
-
My Corner of the World: Regina Kolaitis, PhD
Scientist turned liaison Regina Kolaitis of the St. Jude Liaison Office explains the breadth and depth of hospital’s research efforts to a non-scientific audience.