Support has flowed in to help Rowena Dillon on her quest to compete at the National High School Rodeo Association’s finals in America next month.
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A fund-raiser to help the 17-year-old Gresford rider meet the financial cost of participating in the event will be held on Saturday, June 18.
Organisers hope to raise $10,000, which will be put towards the cost of hiring horses in America so Rowena can compete in the roping and barrel racing events.
Any funds over that amount will be donated to Paterson Valley Pony Club, a not-for-profit group Rowena and her family have been part of for many years.
Valley Team Penning will hold a day out for riders at Gresford showground, with the team penning competition starting at 8.30am. A roping demonstration will be held at 11.30am and catering will be provided all day.
The fund-raiser then moves to the Gresford Bowling Club from 6pm where there will food, an auction and entertainment, thanks to Paterson Valley Pony Club. The auction starts at 7pm where a range of items will go under the hammer, including a cubby house, natural timber coffee table, carton of mixed wine, a cut colour and blowdry, a trailer of fire wood, and timber strainer posts.
Tommy Contor and Band will play a mix of country and old rock music from 8.30pm.
Paterson Valley Pony Club secretary Emma Eldridge urged the district to come along and support a good cause.
She said Rowena, her parents Sue and Terry, and brothers Gerard and Thomas, always helped the community in any way they could.
“They’ve always been outstanding members of the community, they help out in different organisations all the time, it’s a great way to say thank you,” Ms Eldridge said.
Ms Eldridge said Rowena had to hire horses because she could not transport her own there.
“Horses of the calibre that she will be requiring are not cheap to hire. It’s one of the biggest expenses and the calibre of the horse is just as important as the rider’s ability,” she said.
“She needs to hire two horses because she is doing barrel racing and roping and they are trained differently.”
For more information search Lets Get Rowie to America on Facebook.
