Rodeo Kid #7 and more

It's been quite the busy February, with having a Rodeo Kid on February 22 and having the Horse World Expo in Harrisburg at the end of the month into March.  

My family and I traveled to North Carolina for the weekend of February 22 to attend a rodeo with our 7th Rodeo Kid, Hunter Presgrave!  It was an wonderful experience and such a great weekend.

We arrived at the rodeo grounds to find State Captain, Heather Jarman giving Hunter a little lesson on her horse, Playboy, who Hunter would ride into the arena.

 Then we headed to dinner, where we gave Hunter & his family a Christmas in February!  He opened all the presents with joy and excitement!

Heather made sure all the items were in bags that were camo!

 We made sure that the Presgrave family had plenty of items to remember their special night with us.

Artwork done by Sandra Whitcomb, a TEAM DO3 member of Hunter and His dog, with some horses in the clouds.

Josh from Channel 9 also joined us for dinner.  He was doing the story on Hunter that will air on the news on March 10.  http://www.wnct.com/story/24934911/a-cancer-kids-rodeo-dream

Then it was time to head to the rodeo grounds and prepare for his night or rodeo fun!  

Waiting to enter the arena.

It was quite the emotional entry.  You can watch the entry below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L5CNjbWNtQ

The Dignified Cowgirls, who taught Hunter all about horses before the night at the rodeo, also attended with a lot from their crew to support him and enjoy the evening with us.  They teamed up with us on this one, to help Hunter learn about horses and to get some additional sponsors to make his night extra special!  We were happy and thrilled to have them with us, and know the Presgraves have made lasting friendships with that crew as well as given Hunter a love for horses!

Hunter, Danielle Calore, Holly Presgrave, and Eden Braunstein

Hunter even got to ride the mechanical bull!
Check out the Dignified Cowgirls video!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=590901994323987&set=vb.351761824904673&type=2&theater

The rodeo community really helped to make the night special as well, from signing Hunter's new cowboy hat or just stopping to say hello.

I have no doubt that Hunter and his family will forever remember this evening.  Where worries were far away and smiles were close.

Hunter, Holly, Danielle & Jackie

Jackie, Hunter, Heather Jarman, NC State Captain

That evening, Hunter's mom Holly told us as he prayed, he told God thank you for the Rodeo.  To bless all the children with cancer, and that he hoped they learned about the rodeo, as it was awesome!

Photos by Lauren Carter, TEAM DO3 NC and edited by Sam Mike Photos

Hearin Hunter's prayer, and what he has told his mom about how before the horses, he didn't really like his life, but now he really does.How thankful he was for the weekend, it certainly makes me realize how we MUST continue to raise funds and must continue to take more and more Rodeo Kids in the future!  I hope we gain members in all States, who care and want to be a  part of all this, to make a difference in a child's life, such as Hunter.

I thank all the sponsors for Hunter and the Old Ford Rodeo for creating such a wonderful evening!

You can view more pictures from the evening here: from CMK Photos:
http://cmkdigitalmemories.zenfolio.com/oldford2014/h21B666D5

or from our TEAM DO3 member Lauren Carter:
https://plus.google.com/photos/106983063217826776568/albums/5984142632662537889

remember:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Hunter's Rodeo Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9z_GEGxZW4