BAKER — The Old Spanish Trail Pro Rodeo has entertained North Okaloosa crowds for 25 years, and increasing attendance over that time has meant greater financial support for the Baker Area Recreation Association.
Now, members want to give some support of their own.
"For 24 of those years, all of the proceeds have all gone back into the facility to improve the facility and keep it up," BARA President Mark Todd said. "This year, we wanted to (give) something back to the community."
The gift, $1,000 in proceeds, will benefit local breast cancer research and awareness.
Sally Cary, an American Cancer Society community events specialist, said the donation goes to ACS's Emerald Coast office in Fort Walton Beach. The branch, which also covers Crestview and Baker, will help fund patient services. That includes providing free wigs to women receiving radiation treatments and offering a 24-hour informational and support hotline.
Todd said he and other members were inspired to support breast cancer research after learning Sadie Lynn, a member of rodeo participants the All-American Cowgirl Chicks, was diagnosed with cancer at a young age.
"Being aware of that … we felt that breast cancer (awareness) was something we wanted to contribute to," Todd said.
BARA members plan to continue supporting breast cancer with future rodeos, Todd said.
And that's good, because many residents need the help, Cary said.
"One out of eight women is going to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and their chances of beating it are very, very good now," she said.
There is a 3 percent — or one out of 36 — chance that a woman will die from breast cancer, according to the ACS website, cancer.org. Death rates have declined due to awareness, early detection and improved treatments.
April's two-day rodeo attracted almost 3,000 attendees each night, Todd said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker recreational association gives breast cancer research $1K boost