August 2nd 2011 marked the 4th annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink night for the Wind River PRCA Rodeo Round Up, during the Fremont County Fair in Riverton Wyoming. Through a live auction of pink fringed chaps and chinks, 51,000 dollars was raised to benefit the Tough Enough to Help Cancer Fund. An additional 1,300.00 dollars was raised through the sale of Tough Enough to Wear Pink merchandise, for a grand total of 54,000. The monies raised will benefit residents of Fremont County who are battling cancer and can be used for cost of living or travel expenses. In addition, a donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Wyoming will also be made.
The custom made one of kind chaps and chinks were created by BJ Griffin of Leather Design in Powell Wyoming. Griffin is co owner, along with her son Jake, of Leather Design, and specializes in creating leather products for the western industry. Jake Griffin is a PRCA saddle bronc rider, who proudly wears a pair of Leather Designs pink chaps, every time he performs at a TETWP rodeo.
During the auction, the chinks, were worn by breast cancer survivor, Berta Cassity. Cassity was honored, as well as Judy Baty and Brenda Townsley, who lost their battle against cancer in 2011.
The generosity of our community is outstanding. Words cannot describe our appreciation to everyone for the support they have given the Tough Enough to Help Cancer Fund. Powder River Rodeo Company/Hank and Lori Franzen have incorporated this auction into their show for the past four years. Fremont County Fair has allowed the rodeo committee to support this local cancer fund, in raising over 150,000 dollars for our local residents who are battling cancer. Tough Enough To Wear Pink/Katie, Lacey and Terry Wheatley have also given their support to our local cancer fund efforts.
To date, approximately 150 people have been assisted through this fund. Many of these people have been assisted more than once. Currently, the Tough Enough to Help Cancer fund can assist up to 800.00 dollars in a twelve month period to go towards cost of living or travel expenses. We have been able to increase the amount of assistance each year, due to the support of so many people and organizations. Thank you all for being Tough Enough to Help… Fremont County.
