Press

What’s Your Why? – Carol Petrus

August 31, 2016

Carol PetrusHundreds of volunteers, competitors, students, and business partners engage with the American Royal annually. We recognize that much of our success can be attributed to their support and commitment to our mission and purpose. Our hope is to take this opportunity to learn more about these unique and wonderful individuals while sharing with our readers why they choose to give so generously of their time and resources to the American Royal.

We took a few minutes to sit down with one of our dedicated, lifetime achievement award winning volunteers, Carol Petrus, to ask her a few questions about her history and passion for the American Royal, and why she thinks others should take advantage of the opportunity to get involved with the Royal.

Q: How long have you been a volunteer at the American Royal?
Carol: I have been volunteering for around 20 years. I was introduced to the American Royal when my daughter showed sheep with her FFA group in November 1994. The next year I helped with the sheep show and also did some volunteering at some of the events. This got me started into volunteering for the whole American Royal season.

Q: Why do you volunteer?
Carol: I have lived in Kansas City all of my life. I remember as a child going downtown to watch the American Royal Parade. I have been given the fortune of good health and the love of helping people. Volunteering to help the people that come to visit or show at the American Royal is one way I can make a contribution to Kansas City and the American Royal.

Q: What is your favorite event?
Carol: I enjoy helping out in all of the events down at the Royal but my favorite is the sheep show. Since we have sheep of our own I know how much work it takes to show and care for them.

Q: Why should other volunteer at the American Royal?
Carol: As a volunteer at the American Royal you are able to choose any event or events that fit your schedule. You have the opportunity to meet and greet with people that come from all over the United States to show their horses and livestock at the American Royal. Additionally, as a volunteer it’s rewarding when a participant comes up to you and thanks you for the good job that you have done.