Tough Enough To Wear Pink Reaches $25 Million Raised!

Terry Wheatley and Lacey Wheatley with Tough Enough To Wear Pink

Making a big impact—one small donation at a time.

A milestone was reached Monday night at the 12th Annual Wrangler® Tough Enough to Wear Pink(TETWP) Night at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The grassroots cowboy campaign has exceeded the $25 million fundraising mark!

The campaign was created in 2004 by Wheatley, wine industry executive and matriarch of a professional rodeo cowboy family and Karl Stressman, former director of special events for Wrangler and now Commissioner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The idea was to raise money and awareness for breast cancer by challenging rodeo competitors and fans alike to wear pink. Wrangler is the title sponsor of TETWP and a portion of proceeds from everything sold within the Wrangler Tough Enough to Wear Pink merchandise collection goes back to the campaign fund.

Along with the generous support of western businesses such as Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Twisted X Boots and Purple Cowboy wines, Wrangler TETWP relies on the hard work of regional rodeos and western events across the country. The strength of the campaign is funds raised stay locally to benefit community breast cancer charities. It is the dedication of volunteers on the ground at local events that drives the campaign.

Gunnison TETWP Truck

“More than 300 rodeos and events participate each year, with the support of Wrangler, the title sponsor of this campaign. Small donations add up to make a tremendous positive impact for families facing breast cancer and the entire community,” commented Wheatley.

A notable example of the grassroots efforts is the Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo in Gunnison, CO. A long-time Top Five Wrangler TETWP fundraiser, the Gunnison western community has raised close to $2 million over the years to support the fight against breast cancer in their hometown.

Among their goals is to make Gunnison Valley Health the number one rural hospital for breast cancer care in the U.S. by providing funds for services, medical equipment and support. Money raised by the campaign also financed the purchase of a patient transportation vehicle. The 2016 Ram 1500 truck, custom-wrapped in the Wrangler TETWP logo, is designated to safely transport Gunnison breast cancer patients requiring advanced treatment to medical centers outside the small community, such as in Denver. These journeys can take up to 200 miles one-way over winding country roads and narrow mountain passes.

Lacey Wheatley, Terry Wheatley’s daughter-in-law, is the Director of Wrangler TETWP and coordinates with rodeos and other non-rodeo organizations to create the pink-themed fundraisers. Her daughter Katie supports the social media outreach for the campaign.

Hats Off to the Top Five Wrangler TETWP Fundraisers in 2016

– C4CR/NMSU Aggies TETWP-Las Cruces, NM

– Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo – Gunnison, CO

– Wrangler TETWP of Montana-Missoula, MT

– Crosby Fair and Rodeo-Crosby, TX

– Rancheros Visitadores-Solvang, CA

Find Tough Enough to Wear Pink at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Find Tough Enough to Wear Pink at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

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The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is just under two weeks away! Remember to stop by and say hello to the Tough Enough to Wear Pink team if you’re headed to Las Vegas for the big event.

Don’t forget to pack your pink! The Thomas Mack Arena will be awash in pink on Monday, December 5, for Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night.

Wrangler NFR 2015

Join Tough Enough to Wear Pink in Las Vegas during the WNFR at the following locations:

  • Visit the PRCA Committee Convention booth #SP 10 (November 29-December 1) at South Point
  • Shop the Tough Enough to Wear Pink booth #6167 at the Country Christmas downtown
  • Stop by the Tough Enough to Wear Pink trailer at the WNFR Fan Zone

Can’t make it to Las Vegas for the WNFR? Follow along online and watch daily at home! Visit the Pro Rodeo site for the official schedule and check your local listings.

Survivor Stories – Winner Announcement!

Survivor Stories – Winner Announcement!

This year, we challenged you to share your breast cancer “Survivor Story” or the story of someone you love. To honor these survivors, we’re sharing their stories all month long on the Tough Enough To Wear Pink Facebook Page AND one story was chosen at random for the grand prize of two Gold Buckle seats at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo coming up in December.

And the winner is… Karen from El Paso, Texas!

Here’s her story in her own words:

Thank you to everyone who submitted a story in our “Survivor Stories” campaign. Remember to watch the Tough Enough To Wear Pink Facebook Page to read many of the stories submitted.

And thank you for being Tough Enough To Wear Pink!

Tough Enough To Wear Pink Day is October 19!

Tough Enough To Wear Pink Day is October 19!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Everybody knows a survivor, a family member or friend fighting the disease, or has lost a loved one to breast cancer. It’s time for a cure and there has been tremendous progress towards that goal.

We want to thank our friends, fans and family members who work tirelessly to support breast cancer awareness and research all year round. It’s through your efforts that Tough Enough To Wear Pink has raised $24 million to date.

But we have more work to do.

Celebrate Breast Cancer Survivors

Through our continued outreach and your support, we’re determined to hit the goal of $50 million by the Tough Enough To Wear Pink 20th anniversary in 2024.

This month, Tough Enough To Wear Pink will be sharing the breast cancer “Survivor Stories” collected over the past few months. They’ll also announce the “Survivor Stories” grand prize winner of a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Gold Buckle seats at the end of October.

And don’t forget to mark your calendars — Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day is October 19. Make sure you’re following the TETWP Facebook Page and RSVP to the Tough Enough To Wear Pink Day event so you don’t miss an update!

We’re challenging you to paint the world pink on October 19. Rally your families, friends and coworkers to do the same and show support for all of the breast cancer survivors in our lives.

Feel free to come up with your own special ways for raising awareness, but here are a few ideas for how to get you started:

  • Encourage family members to wear pink.
  • Spread the word around your office or workplace that October 19 is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day. Encourage your coworkers to wear pink.
  • Send a card or small gift to a special person in your life who is a breast cancer survivor.
  • Follow the breast cancer survivor stories that are being shared all month long on the Tough Enough To Wear Pink Facebook page.

Remember to follow the Tough Enough to Wear Pink blog and Facebook page for all the latest updates.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Gear Up to Support Tough Enough To Wear Pink!

09072016 TETWP Blog

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—time to remember those we have lost, celebrate survivors and vow to carry on the fight. If you or someone you love hasn’t had a breast health check-up or mammogram, this is a great time to take that important step for prevention and early detection.

This year, we’ll be celebrating Tough Enough To Wear Pink Day on October 19. On October 19, we’re challenging all of our fans to show their support for the fight against cancer by painting the world pink. We encourage you, your friends and co-workers to wear pink. Tell us you’re participating in this worldwide event on the Tough Enough To Wear Pink Facebook page, and we’ll send you a reminder.

We’re also celebrating a big milestone. To date, more than $24 million dollars have been raised through Tough Enough To Wear Pink, through rodeos and western events across the country and the generous support of sponsors like Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, PRCA and Purple Cowboy wines. Our goal is to raise $50 million dollars by the 20th Anniversary of Tough Enough To Wear Pink in 2024.

Throughout October, Tough Enough To Wear Pink will be sharing breast cancer “Survivor Stories” collected over the past few months. We’ll announce our “Survivor Stories” grand prize winner of a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Gold Buckle seats at the end of October. Make sure you’re following the TETWP Facebook Page so you don’t miss an update.

And if you’re feeling like your pink gear needs a little freshening up, we encourage you to visit the Tough Enough Store and stock up on all your favorites in preparation for October.

Or, shop special Tough Enough to Wear Pink items offered by some of the cause’s sponsors:

Wrangler Tough Enough to Wear Pink Shirt 2016

 

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Don a shirt that shows your support for Tough Enough To Wear Pink with a purchase from Wrangler, TETWP’s presenting sponsor.

Montana Silversmiths Pink Ribbon Necklace 2016

 

MontanaSilversmiths

Find a new belt buckle, watch or necklace in the Tough Enough To Wear Pink section of Montana Silversmiths.

Twisted X Boot 2016

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Give breast cancer “the boot” when you purchase pink footwear from Twisted X Boots. Contact Twisted X here to find their boots and shoes in stores near you.

Purple Cowboy Rancher's Rose
Relax with a bottle of Purple Cowboy wines! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bottle of Purple Cowboy wines—Tenacious Red Blend, Trail Boss Cabernet Sauvignon and Rancher’s Reserve Rosé, go back to Tough Enough To Wear Pink.

Follow the Tough Enough to Wear Pink blog and Facebook page for all the latest updates.

 

Ready for Fall Rodeos!

Ready for Fall Rodeos!

Tucson_TETWP

Summer may be winding down, but things are getting down right HOT on the rodeo scene. Below is a list of can’t-miss rodeos across the country from our friends at Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Don’t forget to don your pink at each of these events and, most importantly, on Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day, October 19!

See you at the rodeo!

Tough Enough To Wear Pink NFR

 

September 2 – Walla Walla, WA – Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days

September 4 – Ellensburg, WA – Ellensburg Rodeo

September 15 – Pendleton, OR – Pendelton Roundup

September 16-18 – Filer, ID – Magic Valley Stampede

September 16-18 – Wilmington, OH – TETWP Horse Show

 

Gunnison

 

October 7 – Minot, ND – Minot Y’s Men’s Rodeo/BLCF

October 19 – Nationwide – Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day

October 21 – Daly City, CA – Grand National Rodeo

October 22 – Logandale, NV – Moapa Valley Riders – TETWP

 

Baseball Eats & Wine Pairings

Baseball Eats & Wine Pairings

BaseballFood_Blog_Quote

Sure, we love to head out to the ballpark to cheer on our favorite players, but we really know what we LOVE to head to the baseball stadium for… the food!

Whether you’re celebrating at home or waving your hat at the stadium, here are a few of our favorite treats paired with another one of our favorites, wine!

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(Image via SimplyRecipes)

The Classic Chili Dog

Does it get any better than this? Simple and savory, this baseball game favorite pairs deliciously with a glass of Purple Cowboy Trail Boss Cabernet.

Nacho chips

Loaded Nachos

Piled high with a heaping collection of cheese, beans and meat, is how we like ours. Pair a plate of these with a glass of Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red and you’re really in business.

GarlicFries
(Image via Yelp)

Garlic Fries

We love ours from Gilroy Garlic Fries at the San Francisco stadium – just make sure everyone on your team has a bite or two! Paired with Purple Cowboy Rancher’s Rose and you’ve got yourself a real treat!

Cheers to a winning season!

Cookout and Cool Down

Cookout and Cool Down

Purple Cowboy Rose with Chicken Kebabs

When it’s way too hot to turn on the oven, it’s time to take dinner outside! This summer we suggest spicing things up and trying a new recipe for simple chicken skewers that will have your dinner guests asking for seconds. Pair these chicken skewers with a batch of Mexican street corn and pour a round of Purple Cowboy Rancher’s Rosé and you’ll really hit dinner out of the park!

Purple Cowboy Rancher's Rose at Sunset

Looking for our Rancher’s Rosé near you? Contact us here and we’ll be happy to help you track it down.

Remember, it’s also available online if you’d like to order today.

More in the mood for beef kebabs? Pair them with Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red or Purple Cowboy Trail Boss Cabernet!

Chicken Kebabs

Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 T. fresh thyme leaves
2 T. olive oil
kosher salt and black pepper

Technique

  • Heat grill to medium-high.
  • In a bowl, toss the chicken, garlic, thyme, 1 tablespoon of the oil, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Thread the chicken on the skewers.
  • Grill the chicken and corn, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the corn is charred, 7 to 10 minutes for both.

Street Corn

Grilled Corn Adobo with Queso Anejo (aka. Mexican Street Corn)

Ingredients
6 ears sweet summer corn
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ cup (one stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 tsp. finely grated lime zest
2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 canned chipotle chile in adobo, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. adobo sauce from canned chipotle chiles
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
½ tsp. kosher or sea salt
½ cup mayo
1 ½ cups grated queso anejo
2 limes, cut into wedges for serving

Technique

  • Bring three quarts salted water to light simmer in a large saucepan.
  • Prepare corn butter: Put cumin into small skillet and toast over medium heat, tossing frequently. Pour into plate to cool. Be careful not to burn! Combine cumin, softened butter, lime zest, lime juice, chile, adobo sauce, garlic and salt in small bowl and mix well. Taste and add more salt if desired.
  • Put mayo into bowl and have a brush handy.
  • Put cheese in shallow bowl or rimmed plate.
  • Place corn in lightly simmering water for two minutes. Remove corn from water and reserve on dish with paper towels.
  • To serve, brush each ear of corn with mayo. Follow by brushing grilled corn with butter mixture. – Finally, roll in grated cheese to coat.
  • Cut corn into fourths with sharp chef’s knife and arrange on serving platter with the lime wedges.

Note: Corn may also be grilled over a medium fire on a charcoal grill. To prepare, carefully pull back husks from the corn and remove the silk. Tie the pulled-backs husk  in a knot and place on a grill, turning occasionally until tender and browned in spots, about ten minutes.

Note: You can substitute Queso Anejo for another hard Mexican cheese that can be grated such as Cotija or enchilada. Italian Romano or Parmesan can also be used.

Burgers and Cabs!

Burgers and Cabs!

Home made cheeseburgers on wooden table

Happy cookout season, friends! With temperatures rising outside, these days we’re planning our meals around what can be tossed on the grill. And, with Father’s Day just around the bend, we’re lining up our favorite grilling recipes for an ample amount of summer cookouts.

When it comes to grilled meats, we recommend our award-winning Purple Cowboy Trail Boss Cabernet. This wine recently won double GOLD at the Taster’s Guild 2016 International Wine Competition and pairs deliciously with grilled red meat. Try Trail Boss with thick grilled cowboy steaks, tri-tip, roasts, stews and burgers.

Purple Cowboy Trail Boss wins Double Gold!

Speaking of burgers, this recipe for bacon burgers topped with brie is on our must-have list this season.

Wishing you and yours a very happy Father’s Day and incredible summer ahead!

Bacon Burgers on Brioche Buns

(recipe via Food & Wine)

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 8 slices of thick-cut bacon (12 ounces)
  • 3 pounds mixed ground chuck and ground sirloin
  • 12 ounces brie, sliced
  • 8 brioche burger buns, split
  1. Preheat oven to 400°. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the onions with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and roast until softened, about 20 minutes.  Bake the bacon on a lined baking sheet while you’re roasting the onions (provided your oven can accommodate both).
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the lemon juice. Gradually whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Form the ground meat into eight patties. Season generously with salt and pepper and brush with olive oil. Grill over moderately high heat until well-browned on the bottom, 5 minutes. Flip the burgers, mound the brie on top and grill for 4 minutes longer, until the cheese is slightly melted and the burgers are medium-rare.
  4. Spread the lemon mayonnaise on the cut sides of the buns; set the burgers on the bottoms and top with the bacon and onions.
Celebrate Survivors – Share YOUR Story!

Celebrate Survivors – Share YOUR Story!

TETWP Western Tough

The fight against breast cancer is a cause we hold close to our hearts here at the Purple Cowboy. Our co-founder, Terry Wheatley, is a breast cancer survivor. She lost her grandmother to the disease, her mother had a double mastectomy before the age of 40 and her daughter Katie had undergone two surgical biopsies before the age of 20.

It’s a story that many in our online Purple Cowboy community share. Let’s stand together, support each other and help fight this devastating disease by sharing our strength and sharing our stories.

This year, we’re asking you to share your personal story, or the story of someone you care about who has been affected by breast cancer in our “Celebrate Survivors” campaign.

By submitting your story, you’ll be entered for a chance to win two tickets to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this December!

SHARE YOUR STORY NOW

CelebrateSurvivors_GraphicIdea2

Your story may also be featured across our social media channels in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (Don’t worry, we’ll contact you before anything is posted!)

Thank you in advance for helping in the fight against breast cancer and supporting Tough Enough to Wear Pink! Learn more about Tough Enough to Wear Pink, also founded by Terry Wheatley, at: http://www.toughenoughtowearpink.com/ .

Our Purple Cowboy Wines are proud to support Tough Enough to Wear Pink and we created the Purple Cowboy Rancher’s Rosé in its honor. Learn more about Purple Cowboy Rancher’s Rosé here on our blog.

Read the full rules here.