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Yee Ha!
Published 2:28pm Wednesday, February 3, 2010Now that the Pink Rodeo is done for the year and the Pink Posse surpassed its fundraising goal for the new Cancer Care and Research Center, did Posse members just unsaddle their ponies and head back to the bunkhouse for some well-deserved shut-eye? Shucks, no. They came for grub, saddled fresh mounts and slapped leather. Yup, the Pink Posse is still on the trail and spends every ounce of energy ultimately making life better for all of us!
Glitzy Pink Cowgirls
How did the Posse begin? Pat Melkert, a two time cancer survivor who has been a volunteer since she was 19, developed the Pink Posse, whose members rounded up six men who agreed to dye their hair pink…provided the Posse met the fundraising goal they set last May.
“When we were told they would dye their hair if we raised $100,000 in just three months, my first thought was, ‘No way!’ I just couldn’t imagine that it would be possible,” Pat said. “But, once I got started my nervous feelings turned into nervous energy.” Pat knew she must involve women who were dedicated, hard workers. “I knew the ladies I asked to be part of the Pink Posse were ‘go-getters’ and I knew we needed a great team in order to be successful.”
And, go-getters they were. But before they could rope the six bucking broncos into pink stalls, the Posse had to meet every other week, brainstorm ideas and work hard to make them happen.
The Red Horse ranch donated a pink four-wheeler and raffle tickets flew out of the shoot. “They left it on a trailer so we could pick it up and drive it around for the public to see. We learned early on that people are more excited about purchasing tickets if they can actually view the prize!” Pat added. Many of the Posse members attended a wide variety of parades in the area, always taking the pink four-wheeler and a ticket table with them. Soon they added the sale of pink t-shirts and offered the purchase of pink balloons in honor or in memory of friends and family who have experienced cancer. The balloon release took place right before the actual rodeo which represented over $1,000 of total funds raised. “One of our Posse members contacted friends in Pelican Rapids and they sold so many balloons! It was unbelievable and we were so thankful for their instant help!”
Bucking Broncos Grazed
The ‘bucking broncos’ were still grazing out in the fields so the Posse rode even faster. Pat mailed 553 letters to business and area residents explaining their goal and the fact that 100% of money raised would go directly to the Cancer Center. Monetary donations began arriving right away and amazing items for the Silent Auction (from expensive tires to beautiful necklaces and homemade gifts) at the Rodeo were dropped off at LRH.
Did the Posse slow down? Of course not! Working 12-14 hours each day, the Posse also developed a garage sale which raised over $800 and the Fergus Falls Eagles hosted bi-weekly steak suppers with all proceeds going to the fundraiser. The Underwood Lions donated $300 and The Wild Rose gave dozens of roses to begin a ‘Pretty in Pink’ evening for everyone who has dealt with cancer. The PIP evenings have been greatly attended and appreciated. You are invited to the next one beginning at 5:00pm at the new Cancer Center on Monday, Feb. 8th. Tours will be given and fun ‘Lena’ will speak. Pat smiled, “The huge support we continue to recieve is astounding!
“The Posse wants to recognize and thank Megan Jensen, LRH Foundation Coordinator, continues to give 110% of her energy to our success in such a positive way,” explained Pat. “While she says she is not officially part of the Posse, to us she is!”
Running Start…
The Pink Posse did not want to stop or even rest. Knowing that funds will always be needed for the new Cancer Care and Research Center and that a new goal will be suggested soon, they decided to continue to rope in donations, suggestions and activities for this coming summer. “Funds will be needed to operate the Center and we want to be a part of that. We are looking for a large item to be raffled off this year,” Pat added. The Posse sponsored a holiday gift sale at LRH and another garage sale will take place in February at the Westridge Mall. Your ‘extra’ items would be appreciated!
Fun, Colorful Gowns and Hats
What’s new? The Posse wants to make a positive impact in a variety of ways. “We wanted new gowns to be worn by patients as they receive chemo treatment and we want to make them SMILE!” Bright, colorful material is being collected (colorful for women, fun i.e. Vikings logos for men) and volunteer seamstresses are needed.
Gown material: Three yards of (new) 100% cotton material with a coordinated package of wide bias tape is needed per gown. Donations can be dropped off at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls or taken to Mardelle at Larry’s Supermarket in Battle Lake.
Having been through cancer treatment twice, Pat knows that hats which are tight fitting can make women feel uncomfortable. Pat found a knitter who is making hats which have a little ‘poof’ to them along with added decorations. ‘FUN’ yarn is also needed – two skeins per hat.
FYI:
The six brave men who volunteered to have their hair dyed pink are really NOT bucking broncos. They graciously participated due to their sincere dedication to the new Cancer Care and Research Center in Fergus Falls and everyone who will benefit from its service.
You Can Help the Posse!
Yee Ha! You can help these energetic cowgirls (and, of course the CCRC) by making monetary donations to: LRHF, mailed to Pat Melkert, 20344 Harmony Rd, Fergus Falls 56537. If you’d like to volunteer your help or share ideas, just give Pat a phone call at 218-739-3024. “Remember, 100% of all funds raised will go directly to the Center…we hope you will contact us!” grinned Pat.篻
