by Emily Petrovski
Drummond twins and recent graduates Madee and Macee Butte spent time their senior year planning to combine two of their passions— barrel racing and raising money for Alzheimer’s awareness.
The pair will be hosting a barrel race in Corvallis on June 20 to raise money for the Montana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The race will honor their great grandmother, Ilean Dudley, who was lost in 2017. They were able to help care for her, while she was living with Alzheimer’s.
“One in three seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia,” the sisters said in a press release.
“We want to help others throughout Montana and bring awareness to this devastating disease.”
They had planned to have their barrel race last year, but with the coronavirus outbreak, the race was rescheduled.
This year’s race, on June 20, will coincide with The Longest Day, an Alzheimer’s Association event that coincides with summer solstice to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s, which affects more than 6 million Americans, and directly affects more than 22,000 Montanans.
“I am inspired by the energy and passion that these young women are bringing to their senior project, inspired by their love for their great grandmother,” Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director Lynn Mullowney Cabrera said.
“What a meaningful way to use their love of barrel racing to raise funds and awareness to honor someone they love. It all helps move us ever closer to ways to detect early, treat and ultimately develop a cure for Alzheimer’s and all dementia,” she said.
The Butte sisters’ goal is to raise a minimum of $1,500 for the Montana Alzheimer’s Association.
The sisters plan to channel 80% of entry fees back to racers in prize money. After event costs are covered, the balance of the amount raised will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
The sisters are still looking for sponsors to help cover event costs including arena sponsors, 11 buckle sponsors and silent auction items and other donations.
The event will be held Sunday, June 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the 5 C Arena and Event Center in Corvallis.