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New Mexico Pioneers Rodeo to Benefit Cancer Research
Number of Qwest Pioneers in New Mexico:
NEW MEXICO'S TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: 2,493
ACTIVE EMPLOYEES: 726
RETIRED LIFE MEMBERS: 1,767
1998-99 VOLUNTEER HOURS DONATED FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS: 29,257
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Volunteer work comes in many different forms. In New Mexico, it comes in
the shape of a cowboy with the sights and sounds of a rodeo. Qwest
Pioneers have a 17-year tradition of organizing, sponsoring and staffing the
Cowboys for Cancer Research Rodeo, which raises money for the University of
New Mexico?s Cancer Research Center.
This year, team ropers from all over the state helped the rodeo raise more
than $23,000 for the research center. The grand total was made up of the
proceeds from a prize raffle, concessions and entry fees, sponsorships for
prizes and advertising from local businesses and the Cowboy Challenge, which is
a competition for the largest donation from a rodeo participant. People and
businesses in the community are eager to support this Pioneer project that has
raised more than $133,000 since its inception.
Rawley Jackson, one of the event's three coordinators, says everyone
involved with the rodeo has so much fun every year that it continues to grow in
size and popularity every year. "It's almost like a big reunion every year,"" he
says. This year is the largest to date, seeing 1,577 roping teams compete for
money and prizes.
UNM's Cancer Research Center also tips their hat to the Qwest
Pioneers' volunteer efforts. They recently moved into a new facility that
houses 13 new research laboratories. One of them is named and dedicated to
the Cowboys for Cancer Research Rodeo and the Qwest Pioneers.
At last year's event, UNM's Health Sciences Center hosted a nationally-televised
"Town Hall Meeting for Cancer Survivors," featuring ABC News Anchor Sam Donaldson,
who is a cancer survivor himself and U.S. Senator (NM) Pete Dominici. The forum
discussed the latest developments in the fight against cancer and government
funding for research.
In light of the topics covered at the town meeting, Jackson says everyone
at the research center is so appreciative of what the Pioneers do to support
them and their work to find a cure for cancer. He says aside from the fun of
the rodeo, that's the real reason behind this project. "There's not a person out
there who's life has not been touched by the affects of cancer. This is just
our way of doing something to help."
In 1996, "their way" won recognition in a national competition among
Pioneer projects from across the United States and Canada. UNM's Health
Sciences Center also honored the Pioneers for their support in their First
Annual Salute the Stars Celebration. But with every Pioneer project the
true reward comes from the joy and satisfaction of volunteer work and the
people you help in the process.
Jackson says donations for this project are always welcome. He can be reached
at (505) 524-1304, if you'd like to find out more. However, don't forget that the
Qwest Pioneers have volunteer projects in many other forms - one
that might just fit you. Call your Pioneer Chapter President for more details.
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