Former Professional Bull Rider

I competed in the PBR for 20+ years winning two PBR Canada Titles and earning five qualifications to the PBR World Finals. After retiring from bull riding by passion is the Bullhand Rodeo Academy. I produce a one of a kind bull riding clinic for up and coming bull riders to tune up and get advice on how to better themselves in and out of the arena. I am a proud husband and father of two amazing boys. You’ll often still see me around bull riding events and occasionally putting in my two cents.

Returning Lupe Cup competitor, having last tested her mettle in 2019’s competition. She is a born and raised Calgarian, and still resides there with her family: husband Mark, daughters Ivy and August, and fur-children Harlow and Penn.  When this ACAD graduate isn’t illustrating, animating, or hand-crafting fine leather goods, you can find Jessie makin’ gains at the gym, flexing shamelessly for photo ops, and tenderly manhandling wildlife (yes, even the bugs).  consummate cantaloupe-hater, Jessie hopes to avoid taste-testing any while blindfolded this year, but nevertheless looks forward to bringing home the Cup, and thanks you for your support for her campaign!

I am excited to compete a 2nd time for the Lupe Cup! My husband, Dan, and I have been so inspired by the work of the Gems of Mazatlan and we have been more than happy to support such a worthwhile charity since the beginning. I am a mum of 4 and a former teacher, and I strongly believe in the proverb that it takes a village to raise a child. Since starting our family 12 years ago, we have been blessed to have a strong network of family and friends to lean on and I am grateful to be able to reciprocate some of that necessary support to children in Mazatlan. I grew up the youngest of 6 children and as a family we played a lot of games and participated in numerous sports; as a result, the spirit of competition runs strongly in my veins. As the 2016 Lupe Cup Champion, I am looking forward to not only raising money for a fantastic charity but to also taking home the trophy once again!

I am thrilled to be a participant in the 2024 Lupe Cup to raise money and awareness for the Gems of Mazatlan. Linda and I have visited the children’s homes and participated in some of the work parties on our occasional trips to Mazatlan. We have seen many of the children that we met 10 years ago grow into responsible young adults as the result of the assistance provided by Melinda and Peter and the Gems. It is a privilege to lend a hand to help this very worthwhile cause.  About me, I was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan and grew up on a farm there. I moved to Calgary to attend the University of Calgary and have made Calgary my home for the last 45 years. I am retired from a career in finance, however continue to manage money for family interests. My favorite pastimes are golfing, travelling and spending time with friends and family, including our 4 grandchildren. Looking forward to the Lupe Cup.

Brad Mitchell was born and raised in Edmonton. Since his youth, he has been known for his perfect hair, infectious laugh, and unstoppable abilities. When he was ten years old, he rewired the basement. When he was twelve, he Volunteered for the Edmonton Teen Festival of the Arts as an Assistant Stage Manager, one of the youngest at that time. He spent 7 years as an Air Cadet in Edmonton’s 504 Montgomery Air Cadet Squadron, and to this day, he still has the shiniest shoes and the straightest sheets either side of the Rocky Mountains. Brad has worked for 24 years as an air traffic controller, where he is often complimented for his perfect phraseology. Continuing his love for live events and entertainment, Brad has been a pyrotechnician for over 20 years. He also runs his own AV business, serving high-end clients with, you guessed it, perfect sound and visuals. While most people find their giftings in one wheelhouse (if they're lucky), Brad somehow operates masterfully in almost all of them. In addition to keeping both planes AND fire in the sky (of course, not at the same time), Brad also mastered his attempts at carpentry, mechanics, and the culinary arts. He is a comic, chef, and perpetual optimist. He has impeccable style. His memorization skills are uncanny, his energy is boundless, and his eye for detail is unmatched. In short, Brad is Good at Everything. With a twinkle in his eye and (hopefully) a Rapido pass in his pocket, the very first winner of the Lupe Cup is coming back to the game!

Support Brad in his run for the Cup by clicking the link below and putting in his name/amount. 100% of your donation gets to the kids and tax receipts are issued upon receipt of your donation. Thanks in advance for your support.

I am so freakin' excited to be part of the 2024 Lupe Cup Challenge!

For years, I have been the flip-flops on the ground here in Mazatlán, helping The Gems of Mazatlán wherever I can. However, I have never been fortunate enough to fly to Calgary, Canada, to partake in this epic event!

I am the owner and creator of Surf's Up Cafe in Mazatlán, Mexico, originally from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I have been living in Mazatlán for 14 years and am a mother to a 5-year-old pata salada boy.

I moved away from one beautiful place to adapt to a beautiful lifestyle, and part of that adaptation is being involved in my community.

I have been involved with various events, fundraisers, and side work with the Gems for 7 years. I have seen firsthand the beautiful changes The Gems of Mazatlán have made in many children's lives that are desperately in need of support.

For all of those who have been to Surf's Up Cafe for a Gems fundraiser, you know how special and important they are.

I have always been honored to be part of this organization as 100% of the proceeds raised go directly to the orphanages they work with. With so much care, attention, and commitment, the impact is huge, and the impact on the children's lives is massive.

With your support, you can help these kids even with the smallest donation.

The reason I have accepted this challenge is because it's time a resident of Mazatlán competes for the cup. I will once again be your flip-flops (however, as it's in Calgary and I haven't been in the cold in years, I will be the big wooly boots in a full snowsuit) competing in the Lupe Cup.