A Payne County couple is starting a nonprofit to help others who have lost loved ones unexpectedly, after their toddler died in an accident on their farm.   

The Cowboy Canyon Stampede Rodeo kicks off Thursday night in Cushing. It is the first year for the event, named after Canyon Quimby.  

"Oh, he loved rodeo. He loved everything about it,” Adam Quimby said 

Canyon’s parents, Adam and Amber, said their three-and-a-half-year-old son died in a tragic accident on their farm in March.  

"Canyon, he helped me; he always helped me gather and feed the calves every day,” Adam said.  

Now, just a few months later, they are starting a nonprofit, called the "Cowboy Canyon Foundation." 

"Canyon, he loved to be a part of anything cowboy,” Adam said. “He was a cowboy." 

Adam and Amber said their mission is to help families in rural communities, who lose a loved one unexpectedly, whether it is from getting hurt, or getting sick.  

"Canyon, he loved Paw Patrol. And on Paw Patrol they have a mission to do. And it didn't take us long to figure out that we have a mission to do,” Adam said.  

But beyond their mission to help families financially, the couple wants to share how their faith is giving them the strength to go forward.  

"God is the only way that I've been able to get through this,” Adam said.  

With more than 300 contestants working for the chance to win cash prizes at the event this weekend, they hope to draw a big crowd. The event is an International Professional Rodeo, bringing contestants in from 10 other states.  

Adam said all the money raised from ticket sales and concessions will go straight to families in need. Phelps Market in Mannford donated all the food for the event, so the Quimby family could make a bigger profit for their foundation.  

"We hope it's not a flop and we hope it doesn't rain. So, Lord willing, we'll have a good turnout,” Adam said.  

If you would like to apply for help from the foundation, contact the family through this Facebook page. The Cowboy Canyon Foundation is in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3).  

If you'd like to attend the rodeo, see the flyer below.