The Tucson Chapter of Chicks n Chaps™ will host a Women’s Rodeo Clinic on Sunday, Feb. 16, in conjunction with the 89th annual Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo. The event will raise funds to benefit breast cancer research at the University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC).
Chicks n Chaps™ Women’s Rodeo Clinics is a 501(c)3 organization that raises money for breast cancer programs, research and patients in local communities, while teaching women about the sport of rodeo in a fun, ‘girls-day-out’ atmosphere. The clinic is slated for the Rodeo’s annual Pink Day performance, which always falls on the first Sunday each year. Pink Day highlights breast cancer research, prevention and patient services. The clinic features a morning in the arena with cowboys and cowgirls presenting roping demonstrations and insider information about the seven events in a professional rodeo. The UA Rodeo Team also will support presentations.
An all-volunteer committee, co-chaired by Mary Davis, a local writer and volunteer for the Tucson Rodeo, and Eileen Geraghty, a Tucson Rodeo board member, who is herself a breast cancer survivor, is hosting The Chicks N Chaps™ event.
“When we learned about the program, it just made natural sense to bring it to Tucson,” said Geraghty. “It combines our love of rodeo and an issue that is very important to the community, and we were really excited when the Rodeo Committee said they thought it was a great idea.”
“It’s a unique way to bring people together for breast cancer support,” Davis added. “With the rodeo as the backdrop, women can get together without walks, or finding sponsors, and have a day of learning about the sport of rodeo, networking and enjoying one of Tucson’s cultural signature events.”
“We are pleased that Chicks N Chaps™Tucson has selected the University of Arizona Cancer Center as the beneficiary of its inaugural program. Every dollar contributed to research puts us a step closer to finding cures and ways to prevent this disease,” said Alison Stopeck, M.D., Director of the UACC’s Clinical Breast Cancer Program.
In addition to the clinics, the event includes a brunch hosted by Creative Catering and an auction featuring items donated by local businesses. Participants will receive goodie bags and a Chicks n Chaps t-shirt. Registration, which is $65, can be completed online at http://www.chicksnchaps.org/Rodeo_Clinic_Tucson.aspx, or via email to shouldersla@gmail.com. A partner registration is available for $45 but does not include a t-shirt or goodie bag. Additional information is available at https://www.Facebook.com/TucsonChicksnChaps
Day-of-Event Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the arena gate, followed by the Clinics beginning at 8:30 a.m. Brunch will be held in the “Chick Pit,” an area in the Rodeo Museum designated specifically for event participants. Participants will enjoy the rodeo and are invited to join the dance immediately following.
For more information on the Chicks n Chaps™program, visit chicksnchaps.org. For more information on this year’s 89th annual Tucson rodeo, visit www.tucsonrodeo.com.