EQUICOR Saddle Pads and Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Team Roper Buddy Hawkins have partnered to raise money for Rein In Cancer during the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on December 11.
Pink night is always special at the WNFR. Tough Enough To Wear Pink was created nearly two decades ago when cowboys and cowgirls began to wear pink in the arena to bring attention to the need for early detection and a cure for breast cancer.
This year a special pink EQUICOR saddle pad will be used by Buddy Hawkins as he competes on December 11. It will then be auctioned off to the highest bidder after the run to benefit Rein in Cancer. Bidding is simple – just visit the EQUICOR Facebook page to bid. The auction ends at 7 pm CST on December 12.
Cheryl Cody, President of Rein in Cancer, was excited about the opportunity. “Just about everyone has been impacted by cancer in some way – themselves, their family or their friends – and people in the horse world have been amazingly generous in participating through creative fund-raising. We so appreciate EQUICOR for this special promotion,” she said.
EQUICOR CEO Bryan Toliver said, “As a small business, we want to be able to give back and share our success. Rein in Cancer is a great organization and EQUICOR is proud to partner with Buddy Hawkins to raise money for the fight against cancer.”
Hawkins agreed and added, “It’s an honor to be able to contribute to a great cause!”
Rein in Cancer was begun in 2007 by three friends, Shorty Koger of Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, Cheryl Cody of Pro Management, Inc., and Healthcare Professional Tracie Clark. The three still steer the 501-C-3 organization, after raising millions of dollars. Rein in Cancer has funded and helps maintain the nutrition clinic at the University of Oklahoma’s Charles and Peggy Stephenson Cancer Center, which is available to all patients, regardless of ability to pay. The organization also provides direct payments to those in the western performance industry undergoing cancer treatments.
Through the years Rein in Cancer has orchestrated fundraising efforts at equine events across the country, from rodeos to local events along with fundraisers at various National Reined Cow Horse Association and National Reining Horse Association events throughout the country. Even the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show and the All American Quarter Horse Congress have joined in the cause.
For information on Rein in Cancer, visit ReinInCancer.com.