Winners in the 4th annual “Rope for Life” event pictured l to r Devin Stout, Cheri Vetter, event organizer Teresa Bowen, Curtis Robison, and Tracy Larsen.

By Shyla Marshall

Moapa Valley Progress

The 4th annual “Rope for Life,” was held at Max Maserang’s arena in Logandale on Saturday April 16. All proceeds from the event went to the Medical Relief Fund for Moapa Valley.

In total, there were 193 teams that took part in this benefit team roping. At the end of the day they had raised $5,000.

Teresa Bowen started ththe Medical Relief Fund four years ago to help locals with medical expenses and needs.

“Mesa View Home Care wanted to give back to our local community so we started out giving all the money to the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society,” said Bowen. “But we wanted to know that the money was benefiting local people, so now it all stays right here in our community.”

Over the past four years, the fund has been able to help people in the local community with such things as prescriptions, transportation to medical care and purchasing medical equipment, Bowen said. This charity also takes in and appreciates the generous donations of gently used medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, shower benches and walkers. Volunteers will pick up and deliver the equipment to those in need, free of charge, Bowen said.

Bowen explained that the Moapa Valley Rotary Club has been very supportive as well. Rotarians were there to cook all day Saturday. They also lend a hand by overseeing the charity account, Bowen said.

The winners of Saturday’s roping event were Cheri Vetter and Curtis Robison, who took home trophy saddles donated by Moapa Valley Federal Credit Union.

Devin Stout and Tracy Larsen took second place, receiving the breast collars donated by Mesa View Home Care.

Tadd Thomas and John Hunt came in third place, and received a ton of hay from Glen Hardy Farms.

Other winners were Rex Frehner and Cody and Jody Burnside. There were also bonus steers marked to give out donated prizes from local merchants.

In addition to the support from the volunteers as well as the ropers themselves, there was a great deal of support from many sponsors, Bowen said.

“I would like to specifically thank Moapa Valley Federal Credit Union, Sugar’s Home Plate, Samurai 21, Wet Works, Glen Hardy Farms, Max Maserang, Frank Pendelton Horse Shoeing, Mesa View Home Care, Mesa View Physical Therapy, and Moapa Valley Rotary,” Bowen said. “A huge thank you to all the volunteers who did such a great job, I couldn’t have done it without their help.”