Dakota Buttar Invitational raises record $129,270 as Tetz takes title
By Your Southwest Media Group
KINDERSLEY — The bulls provided the thrills, but the biggest number from this year's Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational wasn't on the scoreboard.
The two-night PBR event raised a record $129,270 for the Kindersley & District Health & Wellness Foundation.
Hometown favourite Dakota Buttar holds on during his 85-point ride Friday night at the Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational at the West Central Events Centre in Kindersley. Buttar finished seventh overall in the two-night PBR event, which raised a record $129,270 for the Kindersley & District Health & Wellness Foundation. SCREENSHOT FROM ENERGY DODGE DAKOTA BUTTAR INVITATIONAL
Anthem singer meets hometown hero. Althea Cuanan-Iligan, 9, of Kindersley, poses with Dakota Buttar at the West Central Events Centre on Saturday. Althea sang O Canada to open the second night of the Invitational. PHOTO COURTESY FAYE CUANAN-ILIGAN
The money will help purchase a LUCAS machine, a mechanical chest compression device used during CPR, and support other equipment needs at the Kindersley hospital. Funds came from donations, 50-50 sales and Saturday night's Calcutta auction.
"I am still reeling from this past weekend," said Anika Becker, clinical services manager for the Kindersley & District Health Centre. "I truly can't believe the support from our community, the hard work from the Kin Club and its members, and that our hospital and facility was chosen by Dakota Buttar and the PBR yet again. My heart is beyond thankful."
The Kinsmen and Kinette Club of Kindersley ran the 50-50 both nights, with proceeds going to the hospital fundraiser. Troy Ching won $8,020 on Friday, one night before receiving the event's Community Excellence Award and a replica championship buckle. Jaymie Holland took home $12,280 on Saturday.
Club president Lisa Kirtzinger said the total could still grow. She kept donations open for an extra week last year and is doing the same again.
"If anyone else would like to donate anything just contact me and I will get you a receipt," she said.
Last year's event raised $95,000, helping fund a new anesthetic machine for the hospital operating room. This year's total is an increase of $34,270, or about 36 per cent.
The fundraising capped another successful weekend of professional bull riding at the West Central Events Centre, where riders competed Sept. 11 and 12 in the third annual Invitational, presented by Longhorn Oil & Gas.
Nick Tetz captured the championship with an aggregate score of 261.1, earning 143 PBR Canada points and $8,542.50.
Aaron Roy finished second with 256.5, followed by Eric O'Flynn in third at 251.9. Ashton Sahli placed fourth at 172.8, Gilmar Santana was fifth at 172.5 and Francisco Costa finished sixth at 170.9.
The hometown fans had plenty to cheer about as Dakota Buttar finished seventh overall at 170.8. Buttar posted an 85-point ride on opening night and rode again Saturday before being bucked off in the championship round.
There was another distinctly local moment Saturday when nine-year-old Kindersley singer Althea Cuanan-Iligan performed O Canada before the second night of bull riding. She later posed for a photo with Buttar.
Following the weekend, Energy Dodge and Longhorn Oil & Gas thanked the sponsors, businesses, organizations and individuals who supported the Invitational.
"Thank you for believing in this event, supporting our community and being part of something bigger," the release said.