THE MAKING OF ROUNDUP FOR AUTISM
In 1988, Bobby Norris was searching for autism-specific services for his daughter, Audra. At the time, it was estimated that 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism according to the Center for Disease Control, and services were not readily available. Bobby’s search led him to the Autism Treatment Center and they gave him hope. That hope turned in to a mission. Bobby’s generous heart and philanthropic spirit prompted him to start the Roundup for Autism to raise funds to support the vital programs and services at the Autism Treatment Center.
The first Roundup for Autism event was held at Bobby’s ranch in Burleson. Consisting of a one day cutting and roping competition, this event raised $5,000 that was presented to the Autism Treatment Center. Since then, the event has grown into several major fundraising events through the year spanning the state of Texas. Today, Roundup is one of Texas' largest fundraisers for the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas and just celebrated it’s 35th year!
Roundup, in partnership with the Lone Star Pony Express (one of Roundup’s biggest supporters) holds fundraising events across Texas throughout the year. Events include the Lone Star Pony Express BBQ Cook-Off at Winch Ranch in Montgomery and Lone Star Pony Express Golf Tournament in Houston. Other Roundup events include a Kick-Off Party in the Fort Worth Stockyards; Roundup’s biggest event, A Gala in the Stockyards – a western chic affair at the Hotel Drover; 2 days of sorting, roping and barrel racing competitions at Sumervell County Expo Center; and smaller events throughout the year in the DFW area!
It takes dedication, perseverance, and all types of talents to produce these events throughout the year - in other words, it takes an army!
Want to get involved? Click here to Join our team of volunteers and our Roundup family!
The first Roundup for Autism event was held at Bobby’s ranch in Burleson. Consisting of a one day cutting and roping competition, this event raised $5,000 that was presented to the Autism Treatment Center. Since then, the event has grown into several major fundraising events through the year spanning the state of Texas. Today, Roundup is one of Texas' largest fundraisers for the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas and just celebrated it’s 35th year!
Roundup, in partnership with the Lone Star Pony Express (one of Roundup’s biggest supporters) holds fundraising events across Texas throughout the year. Events include the Lone Star Pony Express BBQ Cook-Off at Winch Ranch in Montgomery and Lone Star Pony Express Golf Tournament in Houston. Other Roundup events include a Kick-Off Party in the Fort Worth Stockyards; Roundup’s biggest event, A Gala in the Stockyards – a western chic affair at the Hotel Drover; 2 days of sorting, roping and barrel racing competitions at Sumervell County Expo Center; and smaller events throughout the year in the DFW area!
It takes dedication, perseverance, and all types of talents to produce these events throughout the year - in other words, it takes an army!
Want to get involved? Click here to Join our team of volunteers and our Roundup family!
About Autism Treatment Center
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Since 1976, the Autism Treatment Center has assisted individuals with autism throughout their lives as they learn, play, work and live in the community. By providing a lifetime of services and support 24/7/365, ATC is changing lives and building brighter futures for children and adults with autism.
Services include residential, educational, therapeutic, adult programs and research. Learn more at www.atcoftexas.org 
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Who We Are
Steering Committee
Executive Director
Gina Marx |
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Co-Chair
Jayme Tollett |
Ranch Sorting Chairman
Pete Muzyka |
LSPE Chairmen
Mel & Lynda Newsom |
Volunteer Committee
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Leslie Arnold
Shana Santoni Stephanie & Fred Baugh Jewel Bennett Julie Blankenship Tracy & Eddy Branch Debbie Castles Laura Compston Lori Conrad Cindy Cottier Mindy Page Dorris Maria & Don* Farrar Janie Frickie Karen & Bob Garcia Carolyn Garver Kay Goldthwaite Tri Goldthwaite Neysa Gresham George & Brenda Grissom Michelle Hammons Pam & Ray Harris Brooke & Matt Hayes Denise Hayslip Dianna Heiner* Anna Hundley |
Patte Ivie
Susan & Andy Jacobs Stuart Jochimsen Debbie Johnson Nestor Eduardo Estrada Diane & Buffalo Kinzer Lisa LaCoe Cyndy Ladas Anne Lockhart-Taylor Susan & Keith* Maddox Denise & Fern Marin Gina & David Marx Jennifer & Neil Massey Etta & Bill Miller Luis Nazario Brenda Moe David Moore Martha & Pete Muzyka Lynda & Mel Newsom Cathy Noe Mike Peevy Tanya Peevy Shanda Perkins Cathy & Buddy Pettigrew Kelly Pickens |
Paula Pittsinger
Darin Prejean Jana Purser Wayne Purser Patty Purvis Andre Yabin Gary Ray Marty Rendleman Heather & Allen Russell Scott Schlaetti Bobby Sharp Jeanie & Bob Shelton* Amie & David Simpson John Strange Nancy Taylor Lynn Thrower Chris Travis Nicole Traycoff Vickie Gall Genie* & Larry* Wagner Michelle Weatherspoon Scott Weismann Val & Norman Westfall Autumn Wheat Tuffy Williams * In memory of years of dedication |
Board of Directors
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Bobby Norris
In 1988, Bobby founded the Roundup for Autism that is today the Autism Treatment Center’s biggest fundraising event. Bobby is a farm and ranch realtor/owner, rancher and quarter horse cutting champion and trainer. Bobby grew up in Colorado and attended Colorado State University. After graduating, he moved his equine operations to Texas in 1982. He is a past president (three terms) for American Quarter Horse Association; board member of the National Cutting Horse Association; and member of the National Cattle Raisers Association. Currently, Bobby serves as a board member of the Stock Show Syndicate, Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Autism Treatment Center. Bobby is the father of 5 and resides in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife JJ and two boys. He is the General Manager of his father’s ranch, T-Cross Ranch, in Colorado Springs. The Norris Foundation, Bobby and the Norris Family have been “Fighting Autism the Cowboy Way for 35 Years!” |
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Anna Hundley
Anna Hundley is the Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Center, a position she has held since 1982. In 1985, Anna was appointed by Texas Governor Mark White to be a founding member of the Texas Autism Task Force, charged with developing the State Plan of services for people with autism. Since then, she has been appointed by five consecutive governors to serve on several statewide councils, including the Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders where she served as Vice Chair; in 2012, Anna was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the State Independent Living Council. |
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Mike Gerro
Mike Gerro is the Vice President of Frost Bank and long time supporter and sponsor of the Roundup for Autism. Mike joined the Roundup for Autism Board in January of 2019. His commitment to Roundup's cause and expertise in the financial industry makes him a valuable asset to our team and a true friend to us all! |
Honorary Chairs
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2022 - Jo & Barry Corbin
Barry Corbin has been a friend and a force of the Roundup since 1994. He’s participated in almost every event from our celebrity rodeos, Grand Marshall of our parade in the Fort Worth Stockyards, EMCEE of our early year galas and honoree for our Lone Star Pony Express BBQ Cook-Off. When Barry walks into a room he lights it up with his kind smile! His presence at our events and his love for our cause are unparalleled.
Barry studied theatre at Texas Tech University between the late 50's and early 60's and began his career as a Shakespearean actor in the 1960s. Today he is more likely to be seen in his appearances on the hit Paramount Series, Yellowstone! In his many acting roles, you’ll remember him as the local sheriff, military leader, authority figure, or the funny and always forgiving vet on the Netflix series The Ranch. |
Barry has been in hundreds of movies, TV shows, mini-series and documentaries through the years, including: The Thorn Birds, Dallas, Mash, Matlock, Murder She Wrote, Designing Women, Northern Exposure, Urban Cowboy, Lonesome Dove, War Games, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Any Which way you can and Stir Crazy!
Barry was nominated for two consecutive Emmy Awards, in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his interpretation of proud former astronaut, Maurice Minnifield, in the series "Northern Exposure."
When Barry is not on set, he and his new bride, Jo, enjoy spending time at their Fort Worth Ranch with family. Barry has three sons, Bernard, Christopher and Jim and daughter Shannon, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Barry is the Lone Star State’s most beloved actor and he is certainly loved by all of us! Thank you, Barry, for the years of dedication and commitment to our cause. You are a Superstar to all of us at Roundup and we love you dearly!
Barry was nominated for two consecutive Emmy Awards, in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his interpretation of proud former astronaut, Maurice Minnifield, in the series "Northern Exposure."
When Barry is not on set, he and his new bride, Jo, enjoy spending time at their Fort Worth Ranch with family. Barry has three sons, Bernard, Christopher and Jim and daughter Shannon, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Barry is the Lone Star State’s most beloved actor and he is certainly loved by all of us! Thank you, Barry, for the years of dedication and commitment to our cause. You are a Superstar to all of us at Roundup and we love you dearly!
2021 - Carole Sondrup
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2021 - Leslie Penkhus
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2020 - Debbie & Dean Smith
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2019 - Vida & Shawn Valk
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Renda & Rex Tillerson - 2018
Therese & Luther Winch - 2017 Charlotte & John Kimberlin - 2016 Sharon & Steve Folsom - 2015 Yvonne Crum - 2014 Sheila Johnson - 2013 Amie & David Simpson - 2012 Congressman Pete Sessions - 2011 Laura & Mayor Tom Leppert - 2010 Aaltje & Jaap van Zweden - 2009 Jill and Tracy Rowlett - 2008 Carolyn and Starke* Taylor - 2007 Dee and Charles* Wyly - 2006 Minnie and Bill Caruth - 2005 |
Sharon and Ed Fjordbak - 2004
Lynn Dealey and Russell Dealey - 2003 Dona and Reuben* Martinez - 2002 Pilar Wayne Upchurch - 2001 Steve Murrin - 2000 Sheriff Tommy Thomas - 1999 Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Norris* - 1998 Dee and Frank Cass - 1997 Maria and Thomas Windham - 1997 Barry Corbin - 1996 Ben Johnson* - 1995 Fran Chiles* - 1994 Rich Conner - 1993 Bobby Norris - 1988 to 1992 *In memory of years of dedication |
OUR SPONSORS
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Mitzi & Bill Davis
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Charlotte & John Kimberlin
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