Press
NORTHERN INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION
Phone: (406) 256-2495
Fax: (406) 256-2494
www.thenile.org
P.O. Box 1981
Billings, MT 59103
nile ProRodeo
It was a Friday night in Billings, MT as over 4,100 rodeo fans from across the region made there way into Metra Arena for the third performance of the NILE ProRodeo. At a glance, it may have looked like any other night of eager fans buying their programs and finding their seats for another exciting night of rodeo action. However, as people began to shed their coats, now away from the cold October air, you began to see a tint of pink push to the surface. The air held a hint of anticipation for what the night would entail. As opening ceremonies paid tribute to our nation and those fighting a war for our freedom and security, the announcer wasted no words in recognizing, yet another war fought here at home that has touched the lives of so many... “Breast Cancer”. “Tonight we honor those we’ve lost, while we recognize the victories gained in the fight towards breast cancer,” says nine time Wrangler National Finals announcer Boyd Palhamus, “and tonight we show our support be wearing pink.”
The night was collaboration between St. Vincent Health Care and the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) as a way to bring awareness to the reality of breast cancer and raise money for research and screening. All attendees of Friday’s Rodeo where encouraged to show their support by wearing pink. But, wearing pink was not just for the audience. Rodeo funnyman and specialty act of the year, Troy “The Wild Child Lerwill” also traded in his blue foam hat for a pink one and came out with a specially painted “Pink Barrel” for the evening. Also, contestants wearing pink that won each of their respective events received an addition $100 “Pink Bonus” sponsored by the Yellowstone Surgery Center. The NILE had pledged $1 for every ticket purchased while St. Vincent’s sold bandanas for $3, the proceeds to go to the Women’s Cancer Screening fund. In addition, an anonymous donor had pledged to match what ever was raised on behalf of this united effort.
At intermission, a horse-drawn stagecoach driven by NILE board member Buford Madsen entered the arena, inside the coach where those that represented all aspects of breast cancer. From survivors to supporter to those impacted by breast cancer, the stories where narrated one by one by the announcer. Across the audience, you could see those tearfully acknowledging similar such accounts in their own lives. Yet it was with deep respect that each person rose to their feet to pay honor to our loved ones lost to breast cancer, while celebrating the lives saved due to advancements made in medicine and early detection.
When the crowds had left and the lights had dimmed the totals where finally counted. Several entities had contributed to make this venture a success such as: New Northwest Broadcasters (790 KGHL-AM & KGHL FM 98.5); Connoisseur Media (105.9 The Bar); Shipton’s Big R; and several NILE Members who purchased over $1500 worth of bandanas, including a signed and framed bandana purchased by Alice McKinney for $750. Overall, the total generated by both NILE and St. Vincent’s was $7,300 and will be matched to bring the total dollars going towards the Women’s Cancer Screening Fund to $14,600!
The money will be used to help offset the costs of mammograms for women, because the starkest reality with breast cancer is the mortality due to late detection. Breast cancer detected early can usually be treated successfully. The advances made in recent years have saved the lives of thousands of women. Computer aided detection (CAD) increases the early detection of breast cancer by up to 20%.
Contact Information: Justin Mills, General Manager - NILE
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