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OQHRA and Remington Park held its 2nd Annual Betting on a Cure to benefit
Rein In Cancer and Ally’s House on Mother’s Day May 9, 2010.
More than 60,000 Americans lose their fight with cancer each year, with families
and loved ones all betting on a cure to come. In recognition of this quest, Betting
On A Cure brought a unique fundraiser and exciting activities to Remington Park in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 2009 the event raised more than $32,000 thanks
to generous donations and live auction bidding.
Country music star and Ally’s House supporter Toby Keith explaining the inspiration
behind Ally's House and the assistance that can be provided when events like this
are successful, "Ally fought her cancer about a year, and she wanted at least
one parent with her all the time and Scott and Linda (her parents) both work,"
Keith said. "A year is a long time to juggle that kind of life and that's what
happens time and again Family needs vary from medical and pharmacy bills to rent
and utility payments. They also have expenses for lodging, food, health insurance
premiums or deductibles, and travel costs. Ally's House helps pay different bills
based on what that family needs."
Proceeds went Rein In Cancer and Ally’s House – two organizations that are
dedicated to helping those with cancer.
"If you or a member of your family or someone you love has been challenged by
this disease, you know how important this fight is," Rein In Cancer’s Cheryl
Magoteaux said. "Rein in Cancer exists to honor those who have fought or are
still fighting this disease, and to help by funding special projects."
The event included a race dedicated to survivors, a survivor winner’s circle
picture, an all pink race for the ladies, a benefit auction, commemorative
“Betting on the Cure” t-shirts, OQHRA & horsemen donations and much more.
And of course, everyone is encouraged to be “Tough Enough To Wear Pink”
to show their support of this worthwhile cause.
SURVIVOR RACE & RECOGNITION
Cancer survivors gathered in the winner’s circle for a group photo to
commemorate the very memorable experience.
ALL PINK RACE FOR THE LADIES
A special race for females highlighted the evening. The Bank of America
Oklahoma Merial Distaff Challenge Stakes featured nine of the fastest
fillies and mares in the sport, all decked out in hot pink in recognition
of the cause.
BENEFIT AUCTION
OQHRA and Remington Park hosted a live auction in the Eclipse Room, whcih
included the following items:
Toby Keith autographed guitar
OU football signed by Jason White, Billy Simms and Steve Owens
Party with Express Clydesdales at Express Ranches
Round of golf for four with carts at OU Jimmy Austin
Round of golf for four with carts at BelMar Golf Course
Shorty’s Caboy Hattery 100x Custom Felt Hat
Dinner for six at the Ranch Steakhouse
Lisa Perry silver racehorse necklace
Large commemorative photo of 2009 “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” event jockeys with signatures
Justin Whitefield Memorial 100x Felt Hat.
T-SHRTS, PINS & MORE
Commemorative T-shirts, lapel pins and bracelets, all sporting specially designed
Betting on a Cure “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” artwork was available for purchase
to further benefit the cause.
OQHRA & HORSEMEN DONATIONS
Racehorse owners, trainers, jockeys, track personnel and racing fans teamed up
to raise money and awareness. Many racehorse owners joined the cause and
donated a percentage of their purse money. “The horsemen of Oklahoma and Remington
Park wanted to do something to benefit other Oklahomans in need. Cancer touches
so many families in our state,” explained Debbie Schauf, Executive Director of
the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association.
Money raised was divided between Rein In Cancer and Ally’s House, a nonprofit
entity that provides financial assistance to families of Oklahoma children
with cancer.
REIN IN CANCER
Since its inception in 2007, Rein In Cancer has raised money to support the care
of cancer patients, through funding of the Shirley Bowman Nutritional Clinic at the
OU Cancer Institute in Oklahoma City. Nutritional consults are provided by a
Registered Dietician and are provided at no cost to cancer patients. Rein In
Cancer was created to recognize the willingness of the horse community to help
with this cause. For information on Rein in Cancer visit the web site at
www.reinincancer.com.
ALLY’S HOUSE
Ally’s House is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support for
Oklahoma children with cancer. They provide financial assistance with expenses
such as prescriptions & medical bills, housing payments, utility bills,
transportation costs, and other needs for these children and their families. Ally’s
House is named in memory of Allison Webb (Ally) who was passed away in 2003
from a form of kidney cancer. To learn more about Ally’s House, visit the
organization’s web site at www.allyshouse.net.
TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK
The “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” event originated during the 2006 Wrangler
National Finals Rodeo and that year resulted in a donation of $1 million for breast
cancer research. For more information about the effort or its founder, visit
www.toughenoughtowearpink.com.
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