It was impossible not to notice the transformation that took place in the local communities involved in Wild Pink Yonder last week. The support shown was outstanding, from pink businesses, houses, people and vehicles, to the money raised by each municipality.
The Village of Acme is still receiving donations for the Wild Pink Yonder fundraiser for cancer, and so far has collected over $2,000. While in Acme for the evening of August 24th, the riders were treated to a potluck supper and entertainment. Their horses were boarded at a farm just outside Acme, and the man who provided the accommodations had a special connection to the cause, as he had lost his wife to cancer.
The group headed off to the Village of Linden for a barbecue lunch. Linden had 17 sponsors to help with the fundraising luncheon and over 100 were served. The village raised $2,750 for breast cancer research.
A pink parade was used to welcome the riders to Three Hills on August 25th. They followed a sea of pink over to Prairie Campus to take part in an evening of festivities. Pengrowth Corporation of Three Hills and Three Hills IGA generously sponsored the barbecue held. There were seven performances on the Stampede Stage, and no shortage of entertainment at this event.
As for the pink decorating contest, the winners are: Large Business-Three Hills Health Center, with Honorable mention to the Golden Hills Lodge, Small Business-Hairlines Salon, with Honorable mention to I.D.A. Pharmacy. The Pinkest Residence was Sweis Ubels' house, with honorable mention to Val McCallum. 41 Businesses, and over 25 residences were judged.
The riders were greeted in Trochu by another pink parade. Breast cancer survivors were honoured in a horse drawn wagon pulled by Gordie Whittemore's team. After the parade it was off to the Trochu Community Hall to a sold out Dinner, Silent Auction, and Dance. Two of the event organizers, Holly Frere and Leona Hogg, shaved their heads for the cause.
Donations are still coming in and the final numbers have not yet been tabulated for total money raised for Three Hills or Trochu. Look for them in next week's issue.
