Source: Marcia Locke, 785-532-6705, marcia@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.cancer.k-state.edu

Thursday, July 1, 2010

KAW VALLEY RODEO GOING PINK TO BENEFIT K-STATE'S JOHNSON CANCER CENTER

MANHATTAN -- The Kaw Valley Rodeo Association is again offering the opportunity for cowboys and cowgirls to prove that they are tough enough to wear pink.

The association's fourth annual "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" rodeo will be Friday, July 23, to raise awareness of breast and other cancers, and raise funds for Kansas State University's Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research.

The July 23 pink rodeo is part of the Kaw Valley Rodeo shows July 22-24 at the Riley County Fair. All shows start at 8 p.m. in Wells Arena in Manhattan's CiCo Park. Ticket information is available at http://www.rileycountyfair.com/rodeo/.

"We want all rodeo fans to pack the arena with pink that Friday night," said Dr. Gene Klingler, rodeo association member and Pink Committee chair.

The evening will begin with a pink balloon launch to honor cancer survivors during the grand entry. Audience members and rodeo participants are encouraged to wear pink. Pink T-shirts, bandannas and more will be sold, with all proceeds going to the cancer center.

"The pink rodeo is a touching and exciting event. We thank the rodeo association and sponsors, as well as everyone who helps fill the arena with pink and who support cancer research at K-State," said Rob Denell, director of the Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research.

Several events are scheduled in conjunction with the "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" rodeo. A spaghetti buffet will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 11, at Gilio's, 3003 Anderson Ave.; and a steak fry and live auction will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at R.C. McGraw's, 2317 Tuttle Creek Blvd. Auction items include a custom pink belt buckle. Reservations are needed for both events and can be made by calling the center at 785-532-6705.

The mission of K-State's Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research is to further the understanding of cancers by funding basic cancer research and by supporting higher education, training and public outreach. All of its programs are supported by private contributions. More information about the center is online at http://www.cancer.k-state.edu.