Article & photos by Melanie Lyell
April 21 and 22 were a big weekend at the Cowboys for Christ Arena in Friendship, Tennessee. Saturday April 21 was a full day of bull riding school. Instructors Justin Carlton, Matt Smith and Mike Milligan taught the students proper chute procedure & safety, basic riding fundamentals and dismounting.
Cowboys for Christ Arena in Friendship, TN was filled with friends, family and supporters on April 22, who came together for a cowgirl who stole our hearts, Zoey Russell. Zoey was recently diagnosed with liver cancer. She is the daughter of Josh and Wendy Russell.
The day was filled with great food, beautiful weather, an auction, and an action packed bull riding.
David Pruitt of Martin, Tennessee handled the auction, Calcutta, and announced the bull riding winners. There were 30 bull riders who entered, with Colby Criswell taking the win. Criswell of Trenton, Tennessee, turned in an 85-point ride on a rank bull owned by Darrell Allen.
There were so many donations given by families and businesses, which have totaled over $9200.00. Zoey was also given a pony named Muffin, by Julie Anna and Jamie Milligan of Eaton, TN. They wanted Zoey to be loved by Muffin, just as Muffin had loved them.
Any tears you saw that day weren’t tears of sadness, but tears of joy. It’s amazing how Cowboys and Cowgirls pull together when it comes to helping out a family in need. Although some of them may not have known Zoey personally, when you rodeo together, everyone is family. There’s just something special about it; we have a bond that can’t be broken.
There isn’t a way to thank everyone enough who gave their time, donations and prayers for this special day. Zoey is an inspiration to us all and she has taught us how to “Fight Like A Girl.”
“I'd like to thank everyone who helped in this fund raiser. My heart was touched as I witnessed cowboys pulling together to help a family in need,” said organizer Ernie Roberts. Anyone who couldn't attend, but would like to help with Zoey’s medical expenses, may send any contributions to her parents Josh & Windy Russell, 3602 Hwy 114 West, Bath Springs, TN 38311.
April 21 and 22 were a big weekend at the Cowboys for Christ Arena in Friendship, Tennessee. Saturday April 21 was a full day of bull riding school. Instructors Justin Carlton, Matt Smith and Mike Milligan taught the students proper chute procedure & safety, basic riding fundamentals and dismounting.
Cowboys for Christ Arena in Friendship, TN was filled with friends, family and supporters on April 22, who came together for a cowgirl who stole our hearts, Zoey Russell. Zoey was recently diagnosed with liver cancer. She is the daughter of Josh and Wendy Russell.
The day was filled with great food, beautiful weather, an auction, and an action packed bull riding.
David Pruitt of Martin, Tennessee handled the auction, Calcutta, and announced the bull riding winners. There were 30 bull riders who entered, with Colby Criswell taking the win. Criswell of Trenton, Tennessee, turned in an 85-point ride on a rank bull owned by Darrell Allen.
There were so many donations given by families and businesses, which have totaled over $9200.00. Zoey was also given a pony named Muffin, by Julie Anna and Jamie Milligan of Eaton, TN. They wanted Zoey to be loved by Muffin, just as Muffin had loved them.
Any tears you saw that day weren’t tears of sadness, but tears of joy. It’s amazing how Cowboys and Cowgirls pull together when it comes to helping out a family in need. Although some of them may not have known Zoey personally, when you rodeo together, everyone is family. There’s just something special about it; we have a bond that can’t be broken.
There isn’t a way to thank everyone enough who gave their time, donations and prayers for this special day. Zoey is an inspiration to us all and she has taught us how to “Fight Like A Girl.”
“I'd like to thank everyone who helped in this fund raiser. My heart was touched as I witnessed cowboys pulling together to help a family in need,” said organizer Ernie Roberts. Anyone who couldn't attend, but would like to help with Zoey’s medical expenses, may send any contributions to her parents Josh & Windy Russell, 3602 Hwy 114 West, Bath Springs, TN 38311.
