Tough Enough To Wear Pink supports local cancer organizations
Published 3:45 am Monday, January 22, 2024
- Cancer survivors thank Pendleton Round-Up spectators for their support on Tough Enough to Wear Pink day on Sept. 14, 2023, in the arena. After wrapping up its 17th year, the campaign disbursed more than $40,000 on Jan. 12, 2024, to three local cancer support organizations.
PENDLETON — The Pendleton Round-Up’s Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign had reason to kick up its heels in its 17th year after making record-breaking donations.
Three local cancer support organizations — CHI St. Anthony Hospital Cancer Care Clinic, Kick’n Cancer New Beginnings and the Eastern Oregon Cancer Network — shared the purse as TETWP awarded more than $40,000 on Jan. 12 at the Round-Up’s administration building. The prior record was $39,000 in 2015.
According to a press release from TETWP co-Chair Casey White-Zollman, contributions came from a variety of sources, including sponsorships, local businesses, merchandise sales, donations from spectators and tips donated by those working in the Let’er Buck Room. In addition, Clickit RV of Milton-Freewater donated a portion of all RV sales from Sept. 14 through October — Breast Cancer Awareness Month — resulting in a $3,500 donation. White-Zollman called the outpouring of support “truly remarkable.”
“The generosity we’ve encountered is both astounding and deeply humbling,” she said. “It’s through the kindness of others that we can make a meaningful impact and assist numerous individuals in need.”
The event, Zollman-White said, not only raises breast cancer awareness to the thousands of visitors who attend Round-Up each year, but 100% of the proceeds stay within the local community. The three recipients help local breast cancer patients from diagnosis through recovery.
The St. Anthony Hospital Cancer Care Clinic provides such things as breast prosthetics, mastectomy bras, post-op camisoles, as well as financial help and mileage reimbursement for cancer patients. The Eastern Oregon Cancer Network offers housing options while patients are seeking treatment at the Eastern Oregon Cancer Center. And Kick’n Cancer New Beginnings provides free massages, personal training and Pilates classes for recovering patients.
TETWP co-chair Jill Gregg said the campaign is successful because of dedicated sponsors, the community and volunteers.
“Their support is truly remarkable, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions,” she said.
For more information about Round-Up’s Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign, search bit.ly/490EKRs. To inquire about sponsorship or volunteering, email cmwzollman@gmail.com or jill.c.gregg@gmail.com.
