By Tootie Trouy
When the Arlington Relay for Life contacted the Childress family, requesting that barrel horse trainer Travis Childress, who is currently in remission from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, be honored as a Survivor for their 2013 team, nothing seemed more natural for a fundraiser than a barrel race. The Running for the Gold barrel race, sponsored by King Cotton of Covington and Somerville Farm Supply, was already set for the weekend of May 27 through 28 and soon became a co-event with Relay for Life.
The 4D barrel race drew people from all over boasting $4000.00 added over two days of competition. However, the money wasn’t the only thing drawing in the over 400 competitors; many came to support the cause, Man vs. Cancer. The barrel racing community is a tight knit group, always ready to rally behind one of their own. Generosity overflowed as people donated to Relay for Life, helping fund Cancer research, as well as donating to the Jerry Chilton family, an influential member of the barrel racing community who recently lost his cancer battle. Over the weekend, through auctions, a 50/50 raffle, bake sale and the altruism of many who donated back portions of their winnings, the Arlington Relay for Life team, Man vs. Cancer, raised a staggering $2700 for their upcoming walk on May 4.
Generosity wasn’t the only thing at an all time high, as the competition proved to be fierce with the standing arena record at Coyote Run shattered by Chris Coffey, smoking a 14.504. Throughout the event, much joy, encouragement and hope was felt by all, making this barrel race memorable.
Photo captions:
1053: Derek Hixon
1202: Rachel Wilson
1210: Chelsea Hopper
When the Arlington Relay for Life contacted the Childress family, requesting that barrel horse trainer Travis Childress, who is currently in remission from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, be honored as a Survivor for their 2013 team, nothing seemed more natural for a fundraiser than a barrel race. The Running for the Gold barrel race, sponsored by King Cotton of Covington and Somerville Farm Supply, was already set for the weekend of May 27 through 28 and soon became a co-event with Relay for Life.
The 4D barrel race drew people from all over boasting $4000.00 added over two days of competition. However, the money wasn’t the only thing drawing in the over 400 competitors; many came to support the cause, Man vs. Cancer. The barrel racing community is a tight knit group, always ready to rally behind one of their own. Generosity overflowed as people donated to Relay for Life, helping fund Cancer research, as well as donating to the Jerry Chilton family, an influential member of the barrel racing community who recently lost his cancer battle. Over the weekend, through auctions, a 50/50 raffle, bake sale and the altruism of many who donated back portions of their winnings, the Arlington Relay for Life team, Man vs. Cancer, raised a staggering $2700 for their upcoming walk on May 4.
Generosity wasn’t the only thing at an all time high, as the competition proved to be fierce with the standing arena record at Coyote Run shattered by Chris Coffey, smoking a 14.504. Throughout the event, much joy, encouragement and hope was felt by all, making this barrel race memorable.
Photo captions:
1053: Derek Hixon
1202: Rachel Wilson
1210: Chelsea Hopper
