About

Who We Are

Ladies Into Purchasing Stock (LIPS) is a ladies buying group at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™. We are not a committee of the HLS&R™ therefore no credit toward a gold badge is earned. Our mission is to raise money to support the youth of Texas in their educational, agricultural, and artistic endeavors. Our goal is to make every child feel as if they are a grand champion winner.

LIPS was created in 1992 by a group of women desiring to become more involved in the life of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™.

LIPS is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. All contributions and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

LIPS gives back all funds raised to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™.

LIPS has raised almost $3 million over 25 years.

LIPS is made up of approximately 100 ladies who are hard-working, active members of 30 different Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ committees as well as moms, professionals, and community volunteers.

To achieve our yearly goals, fund-raising activities are held year-round.

Who We Support

All proceeds, less expenses, are spent/contributed to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™, where LIPS has become one of the top buyers groups. LIPS participates in five junior market auctions :

  • Lamb and Goat

  • Steer

  • Poultry

  • Swine

  • Art

Other support given to Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo™ committees includes:

  • AgMechanics

  • Calf Scramble Donor

  • Souvenir Program Ads

  • Rabbit

LIPS Fundraising Events

LIPS Annual January Event - The largest event is the LIPS Auction held the second Wednesday in January. This annual event is a party which includes live and silent auctions, big board, as well as competitions and games. After the rodeo season is over, we continue to hold events throughout the year to raise money.

LIPS Annual Crawfish Boil is held the last Saturday in April where donors feast on All You Can Eat Crawfish! At "Crawfish" we have a Live Auction, Homemade Dessert Auctionand Big Board. The afternoon is capped off with the pulling of our Raffle Winners.

LIPS Annual Raffle Campaign - tickets can be purchased from any current LIPS member. Raffle tickets are $5 each, $20 for 5, or $100 for a book. Prizes, between 8 to 10, range from Gourmet meat packages, HLSR Hide, Jewelry and more. The winner of the LIPS Raffle are pulled during LIPS Annual Crawfish Boil, held the last Saturday in April.

History

Established in 1992 and attending their first auction in 1993, LIPS made their first purchase at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Swine Auction. Since then LIPS has been supporting the youth of Texas in their educational, agricultural, and artistic endeavors.