December 7th 2024.
When a city's football team wins the Super Bowl, it's a big deal. But when their mascot also receives a Super Bowl ring, you know that they are truly champions. This was the case for Thunder, the real-life mascot of the Denver Broncos, after the team's victory in 2016. Thunder is not just a horse, but a symbol of strength and pride for the Broncos.
For over three decades, Thunder has made appearances at games and events, both in Denver and beyond. The majestic, white Arabian horses that make up the quartet are owned by Denver entrepreneur and philanthropist Sharon Magness Blake. They have even been flown to different cities and have appeared on TV shows. But aside from their appearances at football games, Thunder is also a regular at the National Western Stock Show, an event that takes place every January in Denver.
Sharon Magness Blake, who has been providing Arabians to the Broncos since 1993, says that the horses have been present at the Stock Show for many years. They participate in various activities, such as roping classes and the popular Dancing with the Horses event on Kid's Day. However, on one occasion, there were unexpectedly 3,000 kids in attendance, which came as a surprise to Magness Blake. But it's no wonder, as the event's attendance has been increasing year after year, with a total of about 700,000 people attending this year.
In September, Magness Blake was named the 2025 Citizen of the West by the Stock Show. This prestigious award recognizes not only her work with animals, but also her successful fundraising efforts for various non-profit organizations, totaling over $100 million so far. Magness Blake credits her modest upbringing in Philadelphia for her passion for supporting those in need, especially women, children, and the elderly.
Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper describes Magness Blake as someone who is comfortable with people from all walks of life. He commends her for her grace and joyfulness, even when surrounded by some of the biggest names in show business. Magness Blake's ability to attract stars, such as Garth Brooks, to fundraisers has contributed to her success.
The 46th Citizen of the West award, which Magness Blake will receive in 2025, is a special honor that is specific to Denver. It recognizes individuals who embody the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer and represent the Western lifestyle, ideals, and traditions. A panel of community leaders selects the recipients, which includes past winners and leaders of the 118-year-old Stock Show.
Pete Coors, chairman of the Stock Show's $150 million capital campaign, Honoring the Legacy, praises Magness Blake as an extraordinary citizen and philanthropist who willingly gives her time, talent, and resources to support various causes. Magness Blake is also a member of the Honoring the Legacy committee, which is raising funds for the National Western Complex's renovation. She is known for her support of key Denver causes and is highly respected in Colorado's business and philanthropic circles. But at heart, she is a boots-on-the-ground kind of person when it comes to Western culture.
Coors writes that Magness Blake's love for horses is legendary, from owning and raising Arabian horses to thrilling Denver Broncos fans with Thunder. Magness Blake, who is the widow of billionaire cable TV pioneer Bob Magness, has been married to former Breckenridge mayor and retired attorney Ernie Blake since 2004. Ernie shares her love for horses and often travels with Thunder.
Aside from her involvement in the Stock Show, Magness Blake has also been on the board and raised money for organizations such as Volunteers of America, the Denver Council of Boy Scouts of America, the University of Colorado Hospital Foundation, the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and many others. She is also the president of the Thunder Foundation, a partner with Epicurean Catering in Denver, and the organizer of the Denver Broncos' annual holiday party for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver.
But perhaps Magness Blake is most well-known for her involvement in Western Fantasy, the main fundraiser for Volunteers of America. Over the past three decades, she has helped raise about $40 million through this event. However, she recently stepped back from her duties due to health issues, including two staph infections from back surgeries. Fortunately, last year's Western Fantasy raised $2.8 million, thanks in part to her husband stepping in to help while she was recovering.
Although she is stepping back from her involvement with Western Fantasy, Magness Blake is confident that the event will continue to thrive. She believes that the $1 billion renovation of the National Western Complex will bring a new energy to the event and allow for the preservation and education of Western heritage in a modern way. She also emphasizes the importance of reaching young people and believes that the new and improved Stock Show will be able to do just that.
Magness Blake is grateful for her position and the opportunities it has given her to donate, organize, and support various causes. But she emphasizes that the 2025 Citizen of the West award is not just for her, but for all the people who have helped her along the way. She believes that teamwork is the essence of the West, and the award is a recognition of that. The award dinner will take place on January 13, 2025, and proceeds will support the National Western Scholarship Trust.
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