By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
The Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP) fundraiser hosted by the Moapa Valley Riders II was held on October 15-16. It was another successful annual event raising just over $18,000 for the cause of two local women who are battling breast cancer: Kaelyne Pendleton and Nadene Mackert. Each of the women received $9,000 to help in their treatment.
Pendleton is well known in the area as she hails from a cowboy rodeo championship family. She also is the local owner of the EXL Academy, a private school for youth.
Mackert is the daughter of well-known local Moapa Valley residents Ben and Kay Robison. She works for Clark County School District at Grant Bowler Elementary.
The event started on Friday night with a cropping competition. A moving moment was the start of the roping with a riderless horse tribute to honor Shaun and Jace Talbot of Logandale, both were raised in Moapa Valley, and both passed in 2021. Their father, Tyler Talbot, led Shaun’s rope horse in the arena for an emotional tribute to the men for their family and friends and the crowd attending.
“Thanks to Tracey and everyone for their kindness and thoughtfulness in honoring my two sons,” said Tyler Talbot.
A total of 220 teams roped Friday night; the roping was produced by locals Nels and Teresa Bowen, and Ritchie and Fallon Griffith of Rehab Roping Productions. The high money winner won a roping saddle donated to the event by Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, and the high point team won buckles donated by Jason & Haley Adams of Bex Sunglasses.
The winners of the roping competition were Cody and Caden Hall, both receiving their championship belt buckles. Cody also was the high points winner and took home the saddle.
On Saturday, the big barrel race event began. The first thing was a Pink Ribbon picture with all competitors and personnel for the event. The participants of the event (and photo) lined up both on foot and horse to make the ribbon symbol. J Mraz Photography provided the official photography services. Also, images were captured by JC Hadley Photography.
There were 123 barrel racers and 16 youth barrel racers that participated. Each division paid five spots, and three spots in the youth.
The winners of each class were the following: 1D) Tilly Jenski, 2D) Oakley Scronce, 3D) Teresa Bowen, 4D) Lisa Heldreth and 5D Dusty Simmers. They also had youth winners as well: 1D) Karen Young, 2D) Megan Pipkin, and 3D) Kailyn Childers.
“I would like to thank everyone who participated in this event. What a great community!” said Frank Pendleton, Kaelyne’s husband. “My wife and I have been so blessed through all of this. Thank you all so much, and may Heavenly Father bless you all!”
TETWP coordinator Tracey Thornton expressed thanks to the community for the support.
“It was money raised by an army of volunteers and donors who provided dollars for added money to the barrel race and prizes, food, raffle items, t-shirts which all helped raise money for the event,” said Thornton. “Thank you to all of the great volunteers and supporters. We could not have done it without you all! And to our breast cancer recipients, hope this helps you kick cancer’s ass!”
For more information about the TETWP in Moapa Valley or to help out next year’s event, email Tracey Thornton at pvranch@mvdsl.com or call (702) 370-2000.
