A fundraising dinner and auction benefiting the Rogers State University Bit by Bit Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program has been scheduled for Saturday, June 10, at the historic Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa.
The 2nd Annual Boots, BBQ and Boogie will feature a barbeque dinner catered by Black Jaxx Barbeque, desserts from Goodies Again Café, silent and live auctions, and live Western music from Paul Bogart and his band.
Travis Meyer, meteorologist with KOTV Channel 6, will return as the event’s emcee. Jack Bogart will serve as the auctioneer for the event. The Downtown Lions Club of Tulsa will be serving food during the event.
Boots, BBQ & Boogie will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Cain’s Ballroom, located in downtown Tulsa at 423 N. Main St. Tickets for the event are $50 per person.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Bit by Bit and the construction and operation of the RSU Equestrian Center, which will house the therapeutic horseback riding program serving children and adults with disabilities. The equestrian center, expected to be completed this fall, is being built on U.S. 169 about five miles south of Oologah. The equestrian center also will provide facilities for the RSU Rodeo Club to practice for intercollegiate rodeo competitions and other club activities.
Bit by Bit is a cooperative program between RSU and Oologah-Talala Public Schools to promote physical and mental health for children and adults with disabilities through horseback riding. One of 11 certified equine therapy centers in the state, Bit By Bit is the only certified program in the state directly affiliated with a university. The program, now located on RSU’s main campus in Claremore, currently serves more than 75 children and adults in northeastern Oklahoma.
While the auction list is being finalized, event organizers said items up for bid should include autographed memorabilia, sporting event tickets, jewelry, art and other unique items. Items included for the auction include: completely hand-tooled Trophy Tack western saddle, New Holland Boomer compact tractor, John Deere riding mower, John Deere child’s motorized vehicle, rental of Dresser Mansion, Southwest Airlines tickets, Glen Morgan autographed guitar, pearls from Bruce G. Weber, pearls from Israel Diamond Supply, Hilti drill, Kitchen Aid blender, a men’s watch from Moody’s, trips to Branson and Oklahoma City, and many gift certificates to area businesses.
Major sponsors for the Boots, BBQ and Boogie event, to date, include::
Wranglers (presenting sponsor): Overhead Door Company of Tulsa, Inc.
Ropers: Sheila, David and Allison Bond; Hille Foundation; Will Rogers Masonic Lodge No. 53.
Rustlers: Oxley Foundation.
Spurs: Burnside and Associates, Ltd. Co. environmental inspections; Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group; Ken Ray and Patty Underwood; Shipman Veterinary Services; Tulsa World.
The event is co-chaired by Leslie Westfall and Scott Epperson. Committee members include Linda Barron, Sheila Bond, Tonni Harrald, Martha King-Clark, Joleta Spurlock and Pam Switala.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Bit by Bit office at (918) 343-7849..