Ag group’s ‘Class 10’ finds 10 thousand ways to battle cancer
by Wyoming Business Council
December 25, 2008
An ag leadership program raised over $10,000 to help Wyoming agricultural families fight the cost of cancer.
Class 10 of the Wyoming Leadership Education and Development (L.E.A.D.) program, which develops highly motivated leaders in agriculture, spent the last three months raising funds for three Wyoming charities: Cowboys Against Cancer in Rock Springs, Jason’s Friends of Casper, and Kickin’ Cancer in Pinedale. The organizations offer assistance to cancer patients and their families who have incurred overwhelming medical and travel costs in their fight against the disease.
"This class met a tremendous goal and they certainly exceeded any expectations I had for this project," said Business Council Agribusiness Director Cindy Garretson-Weibel, who oversees L.E.A.D.
To raise funds, the class sold raffle tickets for a Freedom Arms .454 Casull pistol, awarded to Lucy Pauley from Cheyenne this week.
The initiative began as a class project for the group, but has become a lasting legacy. Cowboys Against Cancer and Jason’s Friends have agreed to open avenues for people to donate to the agriculture fund for years to come.
"This is one thing that will last forever," said Kosha Olsen, a soon-to-graduate Class 10 fellow.
Current donors for the project include: 4 Corners Siding, Brown Co., Carpet Etc., Champ LLC., Rawlins National Bank, Shively Hardware, and Valley Food. The class anticipates additional donors for the project, in addition to the hundreds of individuals who purchased raffle tickets.
The L.E.A.D. program is an 18-month adult leadership initiative designed to create an outstanding group of agricultural leaders. Nine classes of leaders, totaling 154 individuals, have graduated from the program. Class 10 is slated to graduate in March 2009.
Individuals interested in participating in the L.E.A.D. program should contact Garretson-Weibel at (307) 777-6589 or cindy.weibel@wybusiness.org. For more information about the charities, please visit www.Cowboysagainstcancer.com, www.jasonsfriends.com, and www.kickincancer.org.
The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit www.wyomingbusiness.org.
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