Chicks n' Chaps Organization brings in funds

SANDERS COUNTY - Cowgirls Kicking Cancer held the its annual “Chicks n’ Chaps” event Friday evening at the Sanders County Fairgrounds. The event is held to raise money for the Cancer Network of Sanders County, an organization set up to help supplement the expenses of healthcare and day-to-day living for those battling cancer in Sanders County. A portion of the money raised is also slated for the Clark Fork Valley Hospital Think Pink fund.

Under the large tent that was raised next to the arena, there were tables for those who entered to be participants in the evening’s events, along with tables for silent auction items and items that would be part of a live auction.

Rae Herman of Cowgirls Kicking Cancer, said, “The participants have a fee to participate in this, but the money is mostly raised through the auction items, and the raffle tickets.” Herman then said, “We almost raise almost all our money in just this day.”

After the participants had signed in around 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. there was quick introduction of the Chicks n’ Chaps Board and the cowboys, and then the participants were given a “Behind the Chutes” tour of the Sanders County Fairgrounds Arena. Lori Franzen of Powder River Rodeo (PRCA), the company who supplied the livestock, horses, and bulls for the rodeo, led the tour.

Franzen explained the business of contracting and raising top-of-the-line finalist horses and bulls for a rodeo. She also explained what makes a good bronc, and how the chutes and horses work. Franzen explained how cowboys are matched with horses for an event. People were amazed by how much a top finalist bronc or bull could sell for.

Following the tour, a rodeo clinic was held in the small arena next to the Chicks n’ Chaps tent. Ropers and bull fighters held classes for the participants to learn some of the skills of a rodeo cowboy. There was also a hand-operated riding bull and stick horse barrel racing.

Herman said, “PRCA supplied us the bull fighter, they supplied the rodeo clown and they ran the events (the tour and classes).” Local cowboys also attended and helped with the classes and served food and drinks throughout the events.

Around 5:15 p.m. guest speakers spoke to the participants about fighting cancer and what it meant to receive help from the Cancer Network. Then dinner was promptly served.

After dinner was finished and tables cleared, the live auction commenced. Herman said the auction items ranged from things as simple as pies to very expensive items such as a new vanity for a bathroom. She said Chicks n’ Chaps board members made calls to businesses and individuals all around to donate.

According to Herman, people from as far as Minnesota and Washington State donated to the auction.

After the live auction, the event was over and the participants were given a final treat: a reserved seating area called the “Chick Pit,” at the arena.

Herman stressed just how much Chicks n’ Chaps does for the Cancer Network of Sanders County. At the Sanders County Relay for Life in July, Chicks n’ Chaps was awarded the Spirit Award for their commitment to fighting cancer. They were awarded the, “Spirit Stick,” which they brought to the Chicks n’ Chaps event at the rodeo.

“We brought the spirit stick here to show that we as a group go to many events,” Herman said.