April 18 roping, clinic to benefit employees and families

By JULIET BRISKIN | Staff writer

Fire at the Cactus Ropes facility in Pleasanton was first reported around 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 26. Firefighters responded to the scene, but the building was engulfed with fire within 30 minutes. Construction of the new facility is set to be finished around the first of June. -- Courtesy photo

March 25, 2004 -- Two days after the fire at the facility, Claude Spencer of Nashville Concert Productions contacted Dee Ann Burkes, Cactus Ropes' marketing director, and expressed an interest in doing something for the employees of Cactus Ropes and their families.

Spencer's desire to help has evolved into a benefit roping that will be held on April 18 at the Ron Gregory Arena located just outside Nashville, Tenn.

The benefit will feature a team roping clinic lead by three-time World Champion Team Roper Allen Bach and will include champion ropers Jake Barnes, Camish Jennings, David Key, and Kirt Jones. In addition there will be a roping event where participants will have the chance to team up with one of the professional ropers. The event will also include live entertainment provided by various Nashville artists.

The benefit is still in the planning stages so for continually updated information on the event and how to donate items for the benefit auction visit www.cactusropes.com.