Yaunt 2 Rodeo benefit saw high attendance

More than 200 people visited the  thirteenth Yaunt 2 Cancer Benefit Rodeo the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Yaunt 2 Ranch southeast of New Richland. The rodeo competition, a silent auction, vendors, fellowship and good weather  helped ensure everyone enjoyed themselves. Abby Christopherson said about the fundraising amount, “Just shy of $10,000 was raised on Saturday with final donations still coming in.”

 

Moegeo’s Events and Catering was on hand, known for tasty pulled pork sandwiches and deep-fried pickles. Although owner Melissa McCornack, long-time head cook at the Ellendale Elementary school, had a conflict, so sent her husband Mike and sister Susie Jestus to prepare and serve the food.  The fundraiser is important to Melissa, who has been in remission from chronic lymphocytic leukemia for the past three and a half years, having been diagnosed with it six years ago.

 

Wayne Jensen took a break from announcing the day’s rodeo winners to tell the story of the event’s beginnings. He explained Steve Quam, who was among the group of equestrians who started Yaunt 2 back in 1995, battled sequential diagnoses of two types of cancer, and was inspired to use his equestrian connections to raise money. “He was always amazed at the local support he would receive,” remembers Jensen. Regrettably, he died later of brain cancer.

 

Proceeds from the event, which have been as high as $10,000 in the past, go to the Cancer auction in Geneva. Said Jensen, “It all goes to cancer research. Not only that, I say ninety-nine percent  of the people who win the competitions take their belt buckles, but give all of their cash winnings back to the benefit. That’s how great all these people are.” 

 

Silent auction items were displayed on open trailers parked near the rodeo arena. Among the offerings were a 50-pound. bag of horse feed, a commercial plancha gas grill, a Finley beach basket set, a corral set-up shelter, a steer horn wall decoration, horse grooming gear, a Wyld Gear cooler, an accident car care kit, string lights, flowers and planters, and a giant spool table made and donated by Wayne Jensen. More than 60 blankets and clothing items were donated. Barb Hagen, who was getting chicken bites and French fries from Moegeo’s for her daughter added, “We even had sweet corn brought over here last minute to add to the festivities, all of that was donated.”

 

In addition to its competitive rodeos which feature contests based on skills used on cattle ranches, Yaunt 2 is working to be as beginner friendly as possible; members encourage people to come out and try to see if they’re interested. Leadership team member Doug Christopherson said the organization is looking into scheduling some informal Wednesday evening gatherings where people can come out to take lessons if they wish or maybe try some of the events alongside experienced participants. Interested individuals should watch for more information on the Yaunt-2 Facebook page.