Grey's Anatomy star hosts charity fundraiser at the Clovis Rodeo grounds

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Clovis Rodeo is just days away but calf ropers got to warm up for the main event at a charity fundraiser. The event was hosted by James Pickens Junior a star from the hit ABC show Grey's Anatomy.

Ropes flew, just as quickly as calves shot out into the area. 93 team calf ropers competed for a nearly $12,000 first prize in the Sixth Annual James Pickens Junior charity roping event. It's a fundraiser created by the Grey's Anatomy star and for the first time ever he brought it to Clovis.

"Folks have more access to what we're doing and the community came out and were really very supportive," said Pickens Jr.

The event which typically takes place in Southern California is now partnering with the Clovis Rodeo. And it's their hope this becomes an annual tradition.

"He got the good guys and he kept them here and tomorrow morning they'll go to work in slack," said Mark Thompson of the Clovis Rodeo.

After the awards were handed out, Pickens' biggest fans got to catch up with the Grey's Anatomy star.

"Watched every episode probably," said ABC30 contest winner Sara Bais.

But at the end of the day, Pickens said his goal is to help disadvantaged kids one calf roping event at a time.

"There's a lot of kids doing the right thing they just need the opportunity and the access," said Pickens.