In 1997, seven friends teamed together
and founded the non-profit Western Film and TV appreciation
organization, The Reel Cowboys.
Originally comprised of entertainment
industry types; actors, directors, producers, stunt men and
women and other behind the camera people, its' aim was to
keep alive the wholesome good values and morals most often
portrayed in the American Western drama.
Goodness triumphing over evil and the
Code of the West* were in abundance in the golden years
of television Westerns and throughout the history of classic
Western films.
Stories of the damsel in distress, or the
poor dirt farmer struggling to survive in a hostile land, be
it threatened by displaced native Americans with no
alternative but to fight back or the greedy land speculators
and dishonest bankers waiting for the moment to step on the
little people in their unquenchable thirst for power. And of
course, the ever present outlaws, bad men and women with no
compunction but to take what wasn't theirs, with violence if
necessary, who roamed this 'savage land' without restraint,
meting out their own brand of cruel justice.
Into these troubled worlds came the
Heroes. Men and women who wouldn't allow these misdeeds to
continue. Whether wearing a badge or riding alone into town,
the stranger in a strange land, usually misunderstood and
always taken for granted, the Hero was there for a purpose.
Right the wrong or die trying. Their tales are ageless. And
Life affirming.
The Reel Cowboys, now including anyone
with an clear understanding of this 'cowboy mentality',
believes that the Heroes' mission continues to this day!
Yes, we have a lot of fun in the process, but make no
mistake, our aim is to lend the helping hand to those less
fortunate. Grass roots justice. Sticking up for the little
guy. These are not ideals shared only of one political party
or philosophy, but of Americans of all races, creeds and
political diversities.
The Reel Cowboys, which now has grown to
more than 100 members, is now an official "not for profit",
501(c)(3), California Corporation, and it's goal to be there
for good! The Reel Cowboys produces their annual awards
banquet, The Silver Spur Awards which honor members of the
entertainment industry who have portrayed the stories of the
West in movies and TV. Profits generated by the Silver Spur
Awards and other club sponsored events have provided needed
funding contributions to worthy charities and individuals
who benefit from that special grass roots helping hand.
Over the past years, thousands of dollars
have helped groups such as Women's Care Cottage, (North
Hollywood), The YWCA Domestic Violence Program (Southern
California), The John Tracy Clinic (Los Angeles), Boys (&
Girls Town), (Nebraska), Tierra Del Sol, (Shadow Hills, Ca),
Special Equestrian Riding Therapy (Moorpark, Ca), The
Burbank Temporary Aid Society and countless others.
The Reel Cowboys fervently hopes that
their mission continues.
The Reel Cowboys meet for breakfast most
Saturday mornings
(check
our calendar page) from 9:30 to High Noon! Come on
around to the "Chuck Wagon Room" of
Big Jim's Family Restaurant, 8950 Laurel Canyon Blvd
(the northwest corner of Laurel Canyon and Sheldon Street)
in Sun Valley. The general public is cordially invited to
join in on the fun, entertainment and "Grass Roots
Justice"... for good!!!
Though
the "Code of the West" was always unwritten, here is a
partial list of some of the guidelines:
