RIGBY — Keely Lance spent a large part of her short life serving others, and those wishing to honor her memory are now planning a special event to continue helping others in her name.

The Cowboys & Angels Keely Lance Scholarship Memorial Rodeo will take place at the Rigby Rodeo Grounds on Oct. 6. The event honors Lance, who was killed in a car accident on Sept. 2, just a week after she started school at Idaho State University and six days before her 19th birthday.

Organizers are hoping to use proceeds from the event to fund an academic scholarship as well as scholarships for the local Special Olympics program and rodeo queen contest — both programs Lance believed in and served in.

“It’s a great way to honor her name,” said Tasha Finn, one of the people organizing the rodeo.

Slack for team roping will take place at 11 a.m., followed by performance team roping at 1 p.m. Barrel racing and bull riding events are set for 3 p.m. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted, Finn said. There will also be a spaghetti dinner, silent and live auctions, and a dance immediately following the rodeo; admission to the dinner costs $5 per person or $30 per family.

Organizers — including Kristy Lance, Keely’s mother, Lelo Garcia, Robin Freeman and Kaylie Schall — are also planning a rodeo queen contest at the Rigby Rodeo Arena at 4 p.m. on Oct. 5.

Keely Lance won two state rodeo queen titles — Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho 2007 and Miss Teen Rodeo Idaho 2010 — and several local titles as well during her life. And she often helped other girls when they started competing, including Finn’s daughters Kiffin and Kylee.

“She was somebody they looked up to and appreciated,” Finn said, adding that more than 35 girls signed up for the memorial contest before they had to cut off registration.

“I have never seen so much support from people,” Finn said, adding that many people have rallied together to organize the rodeo within a couple of weeks.

Kristy Lance said she is touched by the overwhelming support she’s seen in recent weeks.

“People have been absolutely amazing,” she said, adding that the community is helping her to cope during this difficult time. “Most people lose their children and that’s the end of it. I am very grateful to the people who are doing this for my daughter.”

Lance has no doubt that Keely would be proud of the rodeo, she said, adding that her humble daughter never really believed her when she told her how much she impacted those around her.

“I hope she finally knows that her mother was right,” she said. “She had an impact on so many lives, but I wish we didn’t have to find out this way.”

Those who can’t make it to the rodeo can contribute to the cause by visiting www.keelylance.org.