This past September, we also lost one of our favorite and loved rodeo moms, when Mona Elliott lost her very, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  Mona and her family have been a huge part of our rodeo community, not only in BC, but at all levels of Canadian rodeo as well.  Mona was one of those special ladies that lit up a room, had a contagious and warm smile, and always had time to say hello, offer encouragement to the kids and make a person feel welcome.

A fund had recently been set up in Mona’s memory called “Mona’s Cowboy Inspirational Fund” to assist people in the ranch and rodeo world that are faced with a life altering illness or disability.  The BCHSRA Student Executive began a fund raising project to help this new fund grow.  In Mona’s memory, the students are selling purple bracelets for two dollars each.  They are off to a great start with $500 raised at the last rodeo of the fall season.  Then, at a recent promotional event, Equine Trade Fair, “The Mane Event”, our BCHSRA Students were able to raise over $2500 towards this fund.  Then Mane Event organizers, challenged the attendees’ to contribute and at the end of the three-day Equine Fair, the Mane Event organizers also donated $1000 to this great cause.  It was truly inspirational to see this response from all sectors or the equine world as soon as they heard this was in Mona’s honor.   She truly has impacted our world in a wonderful way, and anyone who knew her, even in the most casual way, feels very honored to have met her.

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