Reining Hope
Chicks ‘n Chaps Supports Breast Cancer Fighters…
The Redding Rodeo is back for its 77th year and will be buckin’ by the river May 14-17. One of the main components of the rodeo is Chicks n Chaps, a nonprofit that has been wrangling up money for community members affected by breast cancer since 2010.
Originally founded in Missoula, Mont., in 2008, Chicks n Chaps approached the Redding Rodeo Association Auxiliary, and it soon became one of the 15 chapters that raises money to fight breast cancer. The auxiliary, also known as The Ladies Behind the Redshirts, embraced it. And since Chicks n Chaps was formed, it has brought in more than $100,000 over the years.
“We’re honored to host it here,” says Chicks n Chaps Chairwoman Linda Bott. “We’re the third largest donor of Chicks n Chaps here in Redding, and have given to nonprofits, cancer treatment centers, mentoring, grants, and wherever Shasta County residents are getting their treatments. We connect everyone.”
Bott explains that every year Chicks n Chaps is the liaison to support locals battling breast cancer, collaborating with partners such as Partners in Care, Nor-Cal Think Pink, Mercy Foundation North and the Redding Rodeo’s own Helping Hands, to name a few.
One of the main ways the Redding Chicks n Chaps raises money is through hosting a local “fun” raiser designed to celebrate survivors and provide educational information about breast health to women. This year, the Chicks n Chaps luncheon will be held at the Redding Elks Lodge on Friday, May 16 from 10:30am-2:30pm.
“It first started with just a few people showing up, but it grew to the point where we had to move it to the Elks Club because it got so big,” Bott says.
“It will be held on the Friday of the rodeo, and this year it’s air conditioned,” Redding Rodeo Association Auxiliary President Sheila Heuer says.
Along with a specially made belt buckle that’ll be auctioned off, Dr. Laura Strickland of Valor Oncology will be the keynote speaker, Lulu’s will cater the event and Bobby Millhouse will host a special line dance.
“It will be off-the-charts fun,” Bott says. Attendees will receive a goodie bag with a specially designed 2025 pink T-shirt. “There will be a sea of pink T-shirts out and about. We all have a really good time. We have great auction items and when we get to cut those checks, it stays local. There’s great gratification from that.”
Special survivors are invited to the event, as well as those currently battling breast cancer.
“There’s an energy that’s hard to explain. Everyone’s laughing, having a good time, no one’s thinking about the disease. For a little bit you’re taking away from the reality of it. And the roping, barrel racing activities are fun, too,” says Heuer. “A lot of people are walking this journey behind the scenes, and it’s nice to have a group of women who support this cause. It’s a celebration of people being alive.”
“We’ve all had cancer touch our lives in one way or another. It takes a lot of energy to fight it, so we try to make it so all you have to do is survive,” Bott adds.
Woody’s Brewing Co. is also creating a special American Light Lager in collaboration with Chicks n Chaps, available now. •
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