By Lucy Waldron
With the Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft just around the corner, Peyton Alexander-Smith is gearing up to make history in this year’s Warwick Rodeo Queen Quest.
After raising an impressive $7105 in 2023 to claim the title of Overall Fundraiser, Peyton is determined to surpass that feat with a new goal of $10,000.
“I wanted to run again because back-to-back Overall Fundraiser has never been done before, and this will be my last year in the Junior Cowgirl category,” Peyton said.
For the past five weeks, Peyton and her mother, Katrina, have been tirelessly fundraising, with their hometown of Pittsworth rallying behind them.
Local businesses have generously donated prizes for raffles, while others have made cash contributions. Peyton has also found success selling $100, $500, and $1000 fundraising boards.
One of the standout raffle prizes this year includes two tickets to the sold-out Cooper Alan concert in Brisbane, generously donated by a family friend.
Peyton has also introduced an online ticketing platform, making it easier for supporters to purchase raffle tickets and board squares at peytonalexander-smith-wrqfundraising.floktu.com
Peyton’s fundraising efforts have been boosted by her business partner, Horseland Toowoomba. Mel and the team have supported Peyton since 2023, helping her not only in the Queen Quest but also in her equestrian pursuits.
A custom T-shirt design by Aleesha from Roaming Palomino is another key part of Peyton’s fundraising campaign. Aleesha, a long-time supporter, created a graphic design last year that proved highly successful, and this year’s design is already generating excitement, with all proceeds going towards Peyton’s Queen Quest. The shirts are available for purchase at /roamingpalomino.bigcartel.com
Circle L has also thrown its full support behind Peyton, sponsoring her once again this year. Peyton will showcase her collection of Circle L hats—16 in total—throughout Rodeo Week.
“We’re on track to hitting my goal of $10,000,” Peyton said, optimistic about her fundraising progress.
The judging for the Warwick Rodeo Queen competition will take place at the Warwick Rodeo Grounds on Saturday, 12 October.
Peyton will compete in the horsemanship category, riding her Australian Stock Horse, A Fox Zee Max, and will also face an interview with the judges.
During Rodeo Week, which runs from October 21 to 27, Peyton will have a busy schedule of official duties, including school and sponsor visits, meet-and-greets, participating in the street parade, presenting prizes, and much more.
“In between a hectic equestrian competition schedule, schoolwork, and fundraising, it doesn’t leave much time for anything else, but it’s a sacrifice that Peyton was willing to make to achieve her goals,” Katrina, Peyton’s mum, said.
Peyton and her mum will be fundraising in Rose City Shoppingworld on 25 September and 2 October, giving locals one last chance to support her in the final stretch of her campaign.
Drop by and help Peyton make history.
