Earning itself the title, the “Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos,” The Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo is sure to excite its audience as it celebrates the western way of life with three thrilling PRCA rodeo performances occurring July 12th, 13th, and 14th.
While the rodeo has been making a splash since 1900, Gunnison’s weeklong rodeo celebration each July is what has put Cattlemen’s Days on the map. Running July 6th-15th, the Cattlemen’s Days rodeo celebration includes everything from 4-H shows to a local carnival. While excitement is delivered in the rodeo arena and family fun is provided during the weeklong celebration, what makes Cattlemen’s Days stand out is its dedication to awareness and fundraising for one of the rodeo world’s most well-known organizations: Tough Enough to Wear Pink.
Sponsored by Wrangler, TETWP is a nationwide campaign that promotes breast cancer awareness and uses fundraising to raise money for breast cancer research, much of this fundraising is used to benefit local communities. Focusing on rodeos and other western events, TETWP can be found all over the country from the smallest rodeos to the largest and most well-known. Since its inception in 2004 by breast cancer survivor Terry Wheatley and former Wrangler director of special events, Karl Stressman, the TETWP foundation has raised over $26 million dollars for breast cancer research and charities.
Due to their extensive fundraising efforts, the Cattlemen’s Days rodeo has earned itself the honorable title as the #1 Tough Enough to Wear Pink PRCA Rodeo in America. In 2017 alone, Cattlemen’s Days raised $409,000 for TETWP.
With a mission stating, “Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink is dedicated to providing local funding for breast cancer awareness, prevention, education, support, breast screenings, and equipment,” Gunnison County has been able to raise a total of $2,310,000 since 2005. With this funding, Gunnison has since improved medical equipment, hired an Oncology Nurse Navigator, and has been able to provide transport for breast cancer patients between appointments. These are only a few of the successes. For a full list of Gunnison’s TETWP fundraising success, please visit https://gunnisontetwp.com/.
But how do they do it? The Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo hosts a variety of fundraising events to bring TETWP and the community together. On July 10th, Gunnison will be hosting a TETWP Concert and Auction at the Mountaineer Square Ballroom featuring singer/songwriters Dean Dillon, Tyler Farr, and James Otto. The Fundraising continues July 12th, with the Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink rodeo performance at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds. Competitors and rodeo fans alike are asked to wear pink in support of the TETWP cause. After the rodeo, stick around for the TETWP Dance at the Gunnison County Elks Lodge. Fundraising isn’t exclusive to rodeo weekend however. Throughout the year, Gunnison County continues the fight against breast cancer with a “Pink in the Rink” Women’s Hockey Tournament in October and the Mountain High Music Festival in January. Gunnison County along with TETWP also offers year-round donation options on both of their official websites.
Rodeos such as Cattlemen’s Days have made a huge difference in their communities thanks to their dedication to awareness and fundraising. The collaboration between Gunnison, Colorado and Wrangler’s, Tough Enough to Wear Pink foundation is nothing short of phenomenal. This week, wear your pink western shirts and enjoy all the excitement that Cattlemen’s Days has to offer!
