COLUMBUS—For the third consecutive year, the All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen Team is supporting the Shirley Bowman Foundation through fundraising efforts as well as a whole new event: Congress Goes Pink.
For the past two years, the Congress Queens have sold raffle tickets for a pair of custom boots designed by Babs Bryant of Lagrange Leather, auctioned several items live at the Equine Chronicle Masters Event, as well as encouraged vendors to sell their own custom items to benefit the foundation.
“I felt that the Congress Queens needed a platform, something to stand on and support,” said Kelli Diaz, Congress Queen Coordinator. “The Shirley Bowman Foundation has given us a reason to go out and bring the horse community here at Congress together and lend a hand to a very important cause.”
The Shirley Bowman Foundation is a program at Oklahoma University Cancer Institute that ensures every patient has the opportunity to meet with a Registered Dietician. Proper nutrition is vital to every cancer patient and a lack of proper nutrients can interfere with or postpone aggressive treatment, according to the Oklahoma University Cancer Institute’s website.
A History of Success
According to Diaz, every year more money has been raised. The first year, the Congress Queens raised and donated more than $12,000 to the Shirley Bowman Foundation. Last year, with their donation of more than $32,000 the foundation was able to hire a full-time nutritionist. This year though, the Congress Queen Team has set their sights higher, with a goal of $62,000.
Congress Goes Pink
This year, the Congress Queen Team has added a whole new event: Congress Goes Pink. The event will be held Saturday, October 16th and for an entire day, everyone, from workers to exhibitors to spectators, are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for the Shirley Bowman Foundation. Additionally, pink buckets with the Congress Goes Pink logo will be placed throughout the trade show and Entry Office, in Congress Hall, and the Show Manager’s Office and the Press Room, in the Celeste Center, to take donations. All proceeds will go directly to the foundation.
One of a Kind
In addition to the Congress Goes Pink event, there will be a live auction Friday, October 22nd during the Equine Chronicle Masters Event. Seven items will be auctioned off to benefit the Shirley Bowman Foundation. Many of the items donated are one of a kind pieces, designed specifically for the auction.
Items to be auctioned include:
This custom show shirt from the Berry Fit Company, featuring bedazzled pink ribbons dissolving into sprawling black waves will get you noticed in the show ring for sure! Crystals, in white, pink and black, adorn the entire shirt and even some pearls can be seen mixed into this cutting edge design.
A cream hat designed by Shorty Kroger, owner of Shorty’s Caboy Hattery in Oklahoma City and Shirley Bowman’s sister, with embroidered pink ribbons on both sides of the hat and crystals set around the entire design. Look perfect from every angle, whether there is someone above or below you, the designs on this hat will turn heads!
From S.R. Gold, a sterling silver necklace in the shape of a boot, with 18 pink sapphires creating the breast cancer ribbon. The design also features intricate tooling from top to toe. Wear this beautifully versatile item in the show ring and then take it straight out for a night on the town. You’ll get compliments from everyone and this timeless classic matches your entire closet!
A breeding to Hot Ones Only, winner of the 2008 Masters Hunter Under Saddle Class and eight-time Congress Champion. Take this chance to plan for your next Congress Champion now, and support a great cause in the process. I can already hear “Hot Ones Wear Pink” or “Only In Pink” being called to the winner’s circle!
A pink Congress Jacket from Schneiders Saddlery, complete with the Congress logo, in pink of course, embroidered on the back. You will never get lost in the crowd with this jacket on, it’s simply spectacular!
A custom red, white and blue golf cart, donated by Salopek Golf Car & Equipment Company, Inc. Blue and white seats, shiny silver rims and an amazing paint job reminiscent of the American flag make this a one of a kind cart that will take you from the barn to the arena in style!
Finally, for the third year in a row, Babs Bryant of Lagrange Leather designed a breathtaking pair of boots, dubbed the 2010 Ribbon of Life Boots, with a twist; the ribbons are actually 3-D, and come partially away from the boot, giving a whole new dynamic look! These are the only pair Bryant made with the 3-D effect and are a one of kind item!
For more information, please contact Tracy Bidwell, public relations/marketing coordinator at 614-403-8868, tbidwell@oqha.com, 101 Tawa Rd. Richwood, OH 43344, www.oqha.com.
