Cowboys holding bull bash to fight cancer

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

June 5, 2003 -- On July 12, Country Ford of Gatesville and Cavendars in Waco will host the first annual Cowboys Who Care Bull Bash. This event, which will take place at the Central Texas Youth Rodeo Association indoor arena in McGregor, is being held to help raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS). J.D. Dudley, a professional bull fighter and clown for seven years, is organizing the event and feels very strongly about raising money for the ACS.

"I have been in rodeos for many years and I have had my fair share of injuries," stated Dudley. "What I have realized over the years is that the pain I felt from those injuries is nothing compared to what those with cancer have to go through."

Dudley understands the heartbreak and hardship that comes with cancer. This is because he has lost his grandmother and two uncles due to the illness. Recently, his aunt has been diagnosed with cancer.

"As a bull fighter I put my life on the line to protect cowboys in the arena. I wanted to have this event because I felt that if I can save those lives in the arena, maybe I can save lives outside the arena as well. That is when I came up with the idea to put on an event that people can enjoy and raise money for a great cause as well."

Dudley grew up in Kerrville, going to rodeos when he was younger and participating in them when he was older. He recently moved to Gatesville where he continues to be involved with rodeos.

"I know that I love watching rodeos, especially the bull riding part of it. People want to watch it because it's like watching the NASCAR races. You are never going to see the same thing twice. You don't want the cowboy to get hurt, but you don't want to miss a minute of the action. I want this event to draw a good crowd and I want it to be something that people will enjoy watching."

He explained that Russell Creech, who is with the CN Stars Rodeo Company, has agreed to furnish the stock of bulls for the event.

"We will have a few bounty bulls for challenge riders. These are bulls that have not been ridden. There will be a $500 bounty placed on the bull. If the rider stays on the bull for eight seconds, he will get the $500. If he doesn't, the ACS will get the money."

After the bull riding show, a concert will be held. Jason Allen, upcoming country western singer, will perform during the dance that will follow the rodeo. "We are so glad to have Jason perform at our first bull bash. He is a talented musician and is currently on the top of the Texas music charts. He will be here to sign autographs, as well doing radio spots before the event on Waco 100.

"We want to thank the Ramada Limited in Waco for the guest accommodations for not only Jason, but also the bull fighters, and the bull riders."

While he also appreciates all the support of both Country Ford of Gatesville and Cavendars, who are the title sponsors, he says that he still needs more people and companies to sponsor the event. "In order to put this event on and make it worthwhile, we need sponsorships. Any help we can get is great, but it's not cheap to put something like this on. We need almost $5,000 and right now we only have about $2,200. We want everyone to understand that 100 percent of the profits is going to ACS. The more money we can get to hold this event, the more we can give to help fight cancer.

"I hope this event is a great success and is something that can be put on years later. I just want this to get even bigger and better every year.

"If we can raise money for cancer and put a smile on the face of a child with cancer, that means the world to me."

For more information on the Cowboys Who Care Bull Bash call 832-754-2761 or 254-223-2229. Advanced ticket sales can be purchased at Cavendars of Waco.