PLACING a bid on your favourite cowboy at the Grass Roots Bull Riding event is just one way to help vulnerable people in the Redlands.
Dollars raised from the bull ride, which is on Saturday, January 21, will go straight to Redland Bay’s non-profit charity The Cage Youth Foundation Outreach.
Foundation director Linda Grieve said thousands of people in the region were helped last year by the organisation, which provides free counselling, youth employment opportunities, home maintenance services, school holiday fun and more.
The demand for counselling services provided by The Cage increased by about 50 per cent last year, following the foundation’s relocation from Capalaba to Redland Bay, Mrs Grieve said.
“Our counselling services are one of the largest community services we provide,” she said. “It is not just for people who need an ear, it is also for people who need assistance with kids and other issues.”
Money raised from the Grass Roots Bull Riding event, which is The Cage’s biggest annual fundraiser, will be used for the continued provision of free community services and to cover the charity’s operational costs.
About $10,000 was raised last year alone through Grass Roots.
“Without the support from Grass Roots, we would be struggling to provide services,” Mrs Grieve said. “There are a lot of generous people in the Redlands.”
Barbecues will be kept sizzling thanks to the efforts of volunteers, including those from The Cage, who will also work to set up boundary fencing, man gates, sell raffle tickets and keep the grounds tidy, Mrs Grieve said.
“We all form a crucial part of the logistics framework,” she said. “The less money which is paid to organise the bull ride, the more money for The Cage.”
Grass Roots organisers Jesse and Vanessa James said patrons could help raise money by bidding on their favourite cowboy, buying a ticket at the gate, spending a few extra dollars on a Grass Roots T-shirt or trying their luck with the purchase of raffle tickets.
“Grass Roots is about supporting the community,” Mr James said. “We chose The Cage Youth Foundation because they support the Redlands.”
Fans can not only mingle with their favourite bull rider at a free meet-and-greet at Redland Bay Hotel from 5pm on Friday January 20, but also with NRL greats Chris Walker, Scott Sattler, Darrell Trindall and Nathan Wood, Mr James said.
Former NRL legend Dale Shearer has donated two pieces of sporting memorabilia for an auction on Friday night, with proceeds to go towards The Cage. He will also will oversee the pig races at the bull ride, to raise money as part of the Shearer Tackles Cancer campaign, Mr James said.
All of the bull riding action will take place on Saturday, January 21. Gates open for the bull ride at 11am and close at 7pm. An after party, hosted by the Redland Bay Hotel, will begin at 7.30pm with performances featuring the “Oz Rock Tribute Show”.
Passes to the Grass Roots Bull Riding event are available at the gate on the day, or in advance from Ray White Redland Bay or The Cage Youth Foundation.
Tickets are $25 adult, $15 concession and children and $70 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children.
For more, visit grassrootsbullriding.com.
Win tickets to the Grassroots Rodeo
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