GUNNISON, COLO. (July 23, 2018) – Wrangler®, the iconic American denim brand representing timeless authenticity in apparel and leading sponsor of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), today announced that its partnership with Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink™ (TETWP) has reached a new milestone: $2.7 million in local funds raised for breast cancer awareness and treatment since 2006. That year, Wrangler made an initial donation of $230,000, matching what the event had raised in its first three years combined.
Through this event and other initiatives, Wrangler continues its remarkable support of the ProRodeo community. Founded in 1947 through work with members of the PRCA to develop the Original Cowboy Cut, 13MWZ, the brand sponsors 200 select rodeos annually, including the title sponsorship of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and is the official jeans and shirts of the PRCA. Wrangler continues to sponsor more than 120 contestants, announcers, bull fighters and other members today, outfitting them in the only jeans and shirts licensed through the PRCA.
TETWP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing local funding for breast cancer awareness, prevention, education, support, breast screenings, and equipment. Championed by country music artist Dean Dillon and based in the center of the cool Colorado mountains, Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days TETWP is the #1 rodeo fundraiser of the PRCA. Today, Wrangler is the title sponsor of both the PRCA and TETWP nationwide, as well as a Gold Buckle sponsor of Cattlemen’s Days TETWP. The brand has helped raise more than $26 million for TETWP since its inception.
“Wrangler is proud to continue our support of amazing grassroots efforts, including the Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign, which has grown into one of the most inspiring events in the rodeo community,” said Jeff Chadwick, director of special events for Wrangler. “As the leading ProRodeo sponsor of the PRCA, we take the phrase ‘Gunnison Tough’ to heart whether we’re here in Colorado or supporting hundreds of rodeos, equine events, and other western lifestyle charity events across the country.”
At its most recent fundraising event, held this month, Cattlemen’s Days TETWP raised $360,000 to support the fight against breast cancer in its hometown. This most recent effort will generate funds for services, medical equipment and support, continuing the community’s strong momentum towards making Gunnison Valley Health the number one rural hospital for breast cancer care in the United States.
“Having a new diagnosis of cancer is incredibly stressful, especially in a rural community,” said Heidi Sherratt, Executive Director, Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink. “Wrangler’s contributions to and support of this fundraiser—year in and year out—has truly been staggering and allowed a small, local nonprofit to ease that struggle for the people and families who are closest to us.”
Nationally, one in eight women will experience breast cancer in their lifetime. In Gunnison, because of the athletic lifestyle, over 45 percent of female residents have high density breasts. Consequently, these women have a higher risk for breast cancer and need more sophisticated equipment to detect the beginning stages of breast cancer. Cattlemen’s Days TETWP helps provide everything from free mammograms, transportation and food cards to financial support for leading edge technology that allows leading experts such as Stephania K. Timothy, MD to perform complex surgeries. All of the money raised in Gunnison stays local, and a portion of proceeds from everything sold within the Wrangler Tough Enough to Wear Pink merchandise collection goes back to the campaign fund.
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Media Contacts
Katie Johnson
Wrangler
kjohnson@fwv-us.com
919-277-1146
About Wrangler® Tough Enough To Wear Pink™
Wrangler® TETWP™ was created by entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor Terry Wheatley along with Karl Stressman to bring the sport of professional rodeo and the western community together to rally against breast cancer. Since its inception in 2004, Wrangler TETWP has empowered rodeos in the U.S. and Canada to focus attention on the need for a cure. To date, the campaign has raised $25 million for breast cancer charities, most of which stays right in the local communities. The grassroots movement has inspired other sports communities to mount their own Wrangler TETWP campaigns, spreading a message of hope and support that reaches beyond the rodeo arena to competitors, families and fans across America. For more information on how to help, visit www.toughenoughtowearpink.com.
About Wrangler
Wrangler has been an icon in authentic American style around the world for more than 70 years. With a rich legacy rooted in the American west, Wrangler commits to offering unmatched quality and timeless design. Its collections for men, women and children look and feel great, inspiring those who wear them to be strong and ready for life, every day.
Wrangler is available in retail stores worldwide, including brand flagship stores in Denver and Dallas, department stores, mass-market retailers, specialty shops, western outfitters, and online. A VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, Wrangler is backed by one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies. For more information, visit Wrangler.com.
