Lance Yearby and Joel Matherly formed Rally Point Events in 2018 to support local veterans and nonprofits in the tri-state area. The organization hosts regional events, including food and music festivals, to support its mission.
Locally, the nonprofit hosted Owensboro’s first-ever Professional Bull Riding (PBR) event called Bulls and Ghouls. The event raised over 1,000 pairs of shoes for kids in the community and a significant amount of money for local veterans. Jerry Ray Davis Jeep and Chrysler was the title sponsor of the event.
“Owensboro really got behind us – it was one of the best shows we’ve ever done,” Yearby said. “We were able to grow our Kicks for Kids programs and donate thousands of dollars back to veterans in the area. We aim to grow to two nights next year and raise more than $3,000 shoes.”
Yearby and Medley returned from service in Iraq and immediately realized that their fellow veterans needed help.
“When we got back from Iraq, we noticed several suicides from within our company,” he said. “We had to create a way to offer relief from some of the struggles our brothers were facing.”
Their first event was Salute Music Fest in Evansville, a concert in Evansville, which Yearby described as a “flop.” They remained steadfast in their efforts, thankfully forming a relationship with Jasper, Indiana’s Tourism Commission, who saw value in the event. They started Red, White, and Brauen Music Fest in Jasper.
“When Jasper saw the event, they asked us to take it there. We did, and it was a success, but then, Covid happened,” Yearby said. “After being shut down for a year, we returned, which was a huge success. We’ve booked several national acts, including Craig Morgan, and continue growing.”
Red, White, and Brauen is held annually on the 4th Saturday in August. This year, Rally Point Events will host it at League Stadium this year, the iconic home of the Rockford Peaches in the Hollywood film A League of Their Own.
Rally Point Events also sells out two nights of PBR rodeos in Evansville on Memorial Day weekend annually and hosts a PBR event in Marion, Illinois.
Yearby said sponsors play a primary role in their success.
“We have the manpower, experience, and knowledge to host amazing events, but it all goes back to sponsorships,” he said. “We couldn’t do this without sponsors getting behind us. It allows for all the money raised to go back to the community.”
He added that they want to expand their footprint in Owensboro, potentially bringing a country music festival to the area.
Search Rally Point Events; Red, White, and Brown; and all three PBR events on Facebook to learn more.
“We’re happy to be a part of Owensboro and look forward to investing more time and energy into the area,” Yearby said. “The Eric Group and Concert Light and Sound are awesome partners. We want to be the go-to for every event in the area.”
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
