Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo Receives Prestigious Sowing Good Deeds PRCA Award
[Gunnison, Colo. Dec 7, 2024] — Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days, a cornerstone event in the Gunnison Valley for the last 123 years, is thrilled to announce that it has been honored with the Sowing Good Deeds PRCA Award. After remaining as a top 5 finalist for the previous 6 years, this accolade recognizes the outstanding efforts and positive impact the organization has had on the local community and beyond.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) annually presents the Sowing Good Deeds Award to a rodeo that goes above and beyond in promoting community engagement, charitable initiatives, and embodies the spirit of giving back. Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days, known for its rich tradition of rodeo, western heritage, and community unity, has stood out as a beacon of goodwill, notably through the mission of Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP), dedicated to providing comprehensive support to the Gunnison Valley in the fight against cancer.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our community, volunteers, and sponsors who come together to make Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days TETWP not only a thrilling rodeo experience but also a force for good in our region,” said Heidi Sherrat, TETWP Executive Director.
Long before the world got a glimpse of the beauty and values of a ranching community through the incredible popularity of Yellowstone, the ranchers of the Gunnison Valley have been living this life for hundreds of years. Small town rural communities are what exemplify the greatest part of the USA, especially the ranching communities. This valley is rich in a history of natural kindness and taking care of each other for many generations. It is a beautiful place with an incredible community, but living in a remote rural community of 15,000 people has many challenges, especially when someone is diagnosed with cancer.
The most impactful way the Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo committee gives to the community is through the efforts of Gunnison TETWP, expanding to not only support breast cancer, but whose programs as of 2018 are open to people who are diagnosed with any type of cancer. Because of incredible efforts from the community, TETWP has been the #1 TETWP fundraiser in the USA for the last 7 years and all the money raised stays in Gunnison and Hinsdale counties. Since 2005, the TETWP committee has raised $6,154,600.00.
“We believe in the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together not just for a cause, but for each other. This award serves as a testament to our ongoing dedication to supporting the individuals and families we serve,” added Lana Athey, TETWP Program Manager.
The Gunnison TETWP initiative, in partnership with Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days, has made significant strides in promoting breast cancer education, early detection, and providing vital support services for those affected by cancer. Working in partnership with the local hospital, Gunnison Valley Hospital (GVH), over $2 million in screening equipment now lives in their radiology department. With Gunnison TETWP’s goal to be one of the top rural cancer centers in the nation and to keep people from having to travel, because they can get the best care without traveling over a mountain pass, this award is a sign that our community is making strides.
There is plenty of work to still be done. Throughout the year, Gunnison TETWP has many community events to bring awareness to the prevention and detection of cancer. It is a fact that the earlier cancer is detected, the better chance a person has of survival and hopefully a less invasive treatment plan is needed.
Cattlemen’s Days and Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink Teams and Massey Ferguson Tractor.
The Sowing Good Deeds PRCA Award reflects Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days’ commitment to using its platform not only for world-class rodeo entertainment but also as a catalyst for supporting their community.
“I couldn’t be more humbled and honored by this award for our TETWP community and the Cattlemen’s Days rodeo committee. This is for our hard-working TETWP staff, our dedicated volunteer committee members, and, most importantly, all the local families we have helped through cancer and the loved ones we’ve lost. We are stronger when we stand together and help out each other when it is needed. This represents the heart & soul of our rodeo community. Thank you for recognizing our little committee, medium PRCA rodeo, and the enormous heart our community has for helping each other out in times of crisis,” said Mike Dawson, Gunnison TETWP Board Member & 2023 Cattlemen’s Days President.
Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days extends its heartfelt gratitude to the PRCA for this award and to the community whose support has built our impact.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mackenzie Bode
Development & Media Director, Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink
mackenzie.bode@gmail.com 949-910-4911
About Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days:
Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days is an annual rodeo event that celebrates the rich western heritage of the Gunnison Valley. Established 123 years ago, it has become a beloved tradition, attracting rodeo enthusiasts and families alike.
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