Charity Begins in the Saddle

Photo courtesy of Chanda Snook

By Helen Coronato

The Accidental Cowgirl

The 5th Annual Ride a Horse Feed a Cowboy event is slated for August 26–28 in Hulett. This local nonprofit group is dedicated to easing the financial burdens of community members who suffer from debilitating injury, illness or expensive medical treatments.  During the weekend event goers will enjoy the a community barbecue; “Bulls & Broncs Wear Pink Rodeo;” Art, Craft and Collectible Auction; the Old West Cowboy & Indian Collectible Trade Show; and the Calcutta Poker Tournament, along with live music provided by country favorite Paul Bogart.

Having attended the event for the past two years, I was excited to speak with founder and event coordinator Chanda Snook about the 2011 benefit. She says “I am proud that this fund raiser has quadrupled in attendance since our inaugural year, making it possible for us to plan even more family-friendly activities and authentic Western events for our 2011 weekend and increase our publicity and advertising campaigns.” Last year, Chanda presented a check for $8,000 to a local family in need. Considering the population of Hulett, Wyoming (the event’s stomping grounds) taps out at 400 residents, that is really quite an accomplishment!

Ride a Horse, Feed a Cowboy is not the first charity event I had ever attended, but it was the first one I knew of that was hosted by a town. With so many people more concerned with their own well being than that of neighbors, even insulating themselves from each other, it’s refreshing to see a group of people come together to benefit one of their own. On the east coast, where I often heard residents complain that they wanted the needy to stay out of “their backyard,” I am grateful to live in a place where neighbors not only seek out those in need, but organize weekend events to help them. Remarkably, Western hospitality is not just a state of mind, it’s a calendar event, proudly celebrating its fifth year.

Learn more at www.rideahorsefeedacowboy.com.

Helen is a professional writer living in Hulett, Wyoming. When not trying to remember to ask for a sack instead of a "bag" when buying pop (not "soda!"), she and her family are out exploring the Black Hills and busy making the West, home. For more information, visit www.HelenCoronato.com. 

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