*Tough Enough: “I always included that I would love people to show up at our rodeo in all pink.” *
— Jennifer Stuart, 2013 Rodeo Queen, Philomath Frolic
During her reign as 2013 Philomath Frolic and Rodeo Queen, Jenifer Stuart had plenty of opportunities to challenge the community to get involved in the fight against cancer.
The Frolic and Rodeo began 60 years ago with the vision of doing something special for the community. Each year half the proceeds are given back to the community. This year the tradition continued with the first ever Philomath Frolic Tough Enough to Wear Pink rodeo, which raised more than $1,200 for Project H.E.R.
The donation would not have been possible without the involvement and support from the community, Stuart said.
Along with selling breast cancer awareness items at the rodeo, Frolic Vice-President Kay Yechout, Carol Stueve and Kim Spencer made a beautiful quilt that was displayed around the community leading up to the event and raffled off the night of the rodeo.
The committee also challenged Philomath schools to a coloring contest. The theme was rodeo and cancer ribbons. The winning picture was printed onto pink shirts, with the saying “Philomath is tough enough to wear pink.” The shirts were sold before and at the rodeo. Stuart spoke to the Lions Club, Rotary Club, local chambers of commerce, schools, and at rodeo events about the cause.
“I always included that I would love people to show up to our rodeo in all pink Thursday night to support our community members battling cancer now or in the past,” Stuart said.
“The elementary school boys would always chuckle when I would say, ‘That means you too, boys!’”
Stuart and the rodeo committee had a vision to be able to look into the grandstands from the arena and see nothing but pink.
“Sure enough, it happened!” she said. “It really showed how our community can come together and be supportive of one another.”
Stuart is studying to become a veterinarian and said Project H.E.R. has inspired her.
“I have had the opportunity to meet a few of the individuals involved with the program and I can relate to their passion for wanting to help,” she said.
Stuart personally delivered the check to The Corvallis Clinic Foundation because she wanted to meet the people who are making a difference in the community.
“It was a great success,” Stuart said. “I hope the tradition carries on for years to come.”