ROCK SPRINGS – Although the special guest list was a Who’s Who in Wyoming politics, the Cowboys Against Cancer annual fundraiser continued to be an example of what volunteers with a giving heart can accomplish in Sweetwater County.
As guests started to make their way into the Sweetwater Events Complex, volunteers could be seen immediately. A line of Green River Wrestling Cheerleaders were welcoming guests and handing out programs.
Shanea Mitchell and Bailey Peterson both explained that volunteering really gives them self pride. Peterson said to be part of an event which has great support like the Cowboys Against Cancer event brings the good feeling home that much stronger.
Mitchell also has a special connection. As she looked at the memory wall she explained she has two family members on the wall who benefited from the long-running charity.
The sense of community grew when one first walked in the door, but the memories, the stories and the volunteering did not stop there.
As local business Buddha Bob’s kept the spirits flowing, 31 regionally located chefs had their delicacies ready for guests. This year’s event sold out in nine days, so the chefs had plenty of hungry cowboys to feed.
Serving those hungry guests was a big undertaking and, again, was all done by people giving back. Those serving the crowd were members of the student council, honor society, key club and the Career Academies at Rock Springs High School.
Representative of the Junior Class Mikayla Johnson was rubbing elbows with politicians at the highest levels. She said she has always liked helping people and being a part of this event really made her feel good about herself. Who knows, it might someday be a RSHS student council serving her as she sits as Governor or Vice President.
Showing the way were the members of the Western Wyoming Mustang Volleyball squad. Both Taeja Davis and Cindy Davis said they enjoyed being part of the community and helping at an important local event.
Several other volunteer groups participated in making the Cowboys Against Cancer annual fundraiser another successful event.
As the American Legion Color Guard was joined by local Boy Scouts, The Green River Tri-Tones performed the National Anthem. Cheyenne must have been empty as Governor Matt Mead, Secretary of State Max Maxfield, State Auditor Cynthia Cloud, Treasurer Mark Gordon and former auditor Rita Myer were all in attendance. Former Vice President Dick Cheney was joined by his daughter and granddaughter while Sen. Mike Enzi, Rep. John Barrasso and Susan Thomas, wife of the late representative Craig Thomas, were all part of the event.
Cowboys Against Cancer President Margaret Parry was first to take the stage. Recently Parry received the Advertising Specialty Institute’s (ASI) ” Bess Cohn Humanitarian of The Year Award” in New York City and told the story of how she doubted the President of the ASI was really trying to call her. She told a little of her experience talking to ASI President Tim Andrews and her ceremony in New York.
“This award belongs to the residents of Sweetwater County. It really belongs to you guys,” Parry said of the generosity of Sweetwater County.
Parry said the annual event is when the people of Sweetwater County, who come from all walks of life, income brackets and political affiliation, come together and create a magical evening.
For 18 years, Mary Hardy has been the leader of volunteerism as she has provided her services to Cowboys Against Cancer. This year, Hardy was honored as she is retiring from the organization. She has lost two siblings to a terminal lung disease and she also suffers from it. Since the disease is not cancer, the organization she works for cannot provide for her, but in an emotional moment, Cowboys against Cancer supporter Ken Brown gave her a check for $5,000.
Cheney said the welcome was overwhelming and was better than 50 years ago when he was arrested by George Lemich’s father. He also thanked residents for their prayers during his recent health problems. Cheney said that the Cowboys Against Cancer event is becoming one of the most important events in the state.
Governor Mead was stuck in New York with super-storm Sandy during last year’s Cowboys Against Cancer event. Once again his wife is preparing for the New York Marathon. Mead called it a year of hell since he missed last year’s event.
“Margaret Parry will hunt you down,” the Governor said. “She gets people here and not because she’s scary that way, but because she believes in the cause.”
After the event, Mead is flying out of Salt Lake to be with his wife, but while he was here he said to sellout the event is remarkable and said it’s a message of hope delivered by a community.
