Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign sets new fundraising record

By on Monday, December 9th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – (News release from Tough Enough to Wear Pink) The Pendleton Round-Up’s Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP) campaign achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, raising a record $51,000 for local cancer support organizations. The donation, presented on Friday, December 6, 2024, surpasses the previous highest total of $40,000 from the 2023 campaign.

In its 18th year, the TETWP campaign allocated the $51,000 to three eastern Oregon cancer support organizations: the CHI St. Anthony Hospital Cancer Clinic, the Kickin’ Cancer New Beginnings program, and the Eastern Oregon Cancer Network. This significant contribution came from a variety of fundraising efforts, including sponsorships, merchandise sales, donations from spectators and volunteers, and raffles featuring a custom Pendleton Hat Company hat, custom pink Justin Boots, and Montana Silversmiths jewelry and hat pin. Additional funds were raised through collector’s pin sales and tips donated by Let’er Buck Room and Round-Up bar volunteers on TETWP Day. Notably, Clickit RV of Milton-Freewater also contributed $3,000 from a portion of all RV sales made between September 12 (TETWP at the Round-Up) and October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We are stunned by the generosity of this year’s campaign,” said Casey White-Zollman, co-chair of the Round-Up’s TETWP campaign. “Cancer affects so many lives, and the overwhelming support we received this year demonstrates the power of community kindness and its ability to make a real difference for those in need.”

TETWP’s high visibility not only promotes breast cancer awareness to thousands of Round-Up visitors each year, but also ensures that every dollar raised stays within the local eastern Oregon community. The three benefiting organizations provide crucial services to local breast cancer patients, from diagnosis through recovery. The CHI St. Anthony Hospital Cancer Clinic offers a wide range of support, including breast prosthetics, post-op camisoles, wigs, and financial assistance. The Eastern Oregon Cancer Network provides housing for patients undergoing treatments at the Eastern Oregon Cancer Center in Pendleton, while the Kickin’ Cancer New Beginnings program offers services such as free massage therapy, personal training, and Pilates classes for recovering patients.

“We could not have reached this level of success without the unwavering support of our sponsors, the Pendleton Round-Up, the local community, and our dedicated volunteers,” said Jill Gregg, co-chair of the Round-Up’s TETWP campaign. “We are incredibly grateful for every contribution.”

The TETWP campaign’s success would not have been possible without the generosity of its 2024 sponsors, including:

  • GOLD: The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation/Jordan Schnitzer; CHI St. Anthony Hospital; Toyota; Stangier Wealth Management; Swire Coca Cola; Elkhorn Media Group
  • SILVER: Clickit RV of Milton-Freewater; Eastern Oregon Cancer Center
  • BRONZE: Dr. Pratt Dentistry; Premium Tire & Lube
  • PINK: Banner Bank; Columbia Distributing; Guild Mortgage; Pendleton Hat Company; Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub; Altrusa of Pendleton; Wheatland Insurance; Coldwell Banker Farley Company; Montana Silversmiths; Happy Trails Mobile Bar; Umpqua Bank; Justin Boots
  • GATE: Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub

Looking ahead, the Pendleton Round-Up’s TETWP campaign will celebrate its 19th year in 2025. Individuals interested in becoming sponsors or volunteers for the 2025 campaign can reach out to event co-chairs Casey White-Zollman at cmwzollman@gmail.com or Jill Gregg at jill.c.gregg@gmail.com.

Photo: Pendleton Round-Up Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP) campaign co-chairs Jill Gregg (second from left) and Casey White-Zollman (second from right) distribute a record $51,000 from fundraising efforts in 2024 to Lisa Hummell from the CHI St. Anthony Hospital Cancer Center (far left), Debra Shampine of the Kickin’ Cancer New Beginnings Program (center), and Joan Sonnenburg of the Eastern Oregon Cancer Network (far right) at the Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon administrative building in Pendleton on Dec. 6.

Elkhorn Media Group