Samantha McDonald Crowned 2025 Elks Rodeo Queen!

Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County is thrilled to announce that Samantha McDonald has been crowned the 2025 Elks Rodeo Queen, raising a record-breaking $572,626 to support CRR’s Heart to Home Resource Closet!

Samantha’s dedication to service, her heart for vulnerable children, and her unstoppable spirit inspired the entire community. She didn’t just ride for the crown—she rode for a cause, shining a spotlight on the needs of foster and under-resourced children in Santa Barbara County.

 Read more in the Santa Maria Times article

 Representing CRR With Purpose

Samantha chose to represent Children’s Resource & Referral because of our mission to serve low-income, foster, and underrepresented families throughout the county. She especially connected with our Heart to Home Resource Closet, which provides emergency essentials—like car seats, clothes, diapers, wipes, and first night away kits—to children placed in foster care. Thanks to Samantha’s campaign, this program will expand its impact even further.

 About Samantha

Samantha McDonald is a standout leader and community champion. A 17-year-old senior at Righetti High School, she maintains a 4.7 GPA and is deeply involved in student leadership and community service:

• President of Righetti FFA and Vineyard 4H Club
• Member of the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, Key Club, ASTRA, and Early Academic Outreach
• Varsity athlete on Righetti’s tennis team
• Competitive English horse rider
• Longtime puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind—currently raising her 4th dog

This spring, Samantha will graduate with three associate degrees from Allan Hancock College—just one month before receiving her high school diploma. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at a four-year university.

 A Heart for Children

We are honored to have had Samantha represent CRR with such grace and purpose. Her record-setting campaign and advocacy will help ensure that no child spends their first night in foster care without basic necessities and the comfort of knowing they are cared for.

To every sponsor, donor, and community member who supported her—thank you for making this impact possible. And to every future Queen and Princess: your voice, your leadership, and your heart matter more than you know.