BELLE FOURCHE—Center of the Nation Cheerleaders have been selected to travel to New York City in November to represent Belle Fourche in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The iconic parade is an annual tradition that began in 1924. It always takes place on Thanksgiving morning. This year, it will be held on November 26 and signals the beginning of the holiday season for many across the country.
In order to participate in the event, the cheerleaders have to raise funds to pay for their way. All of the cheerleaders and their chaperones must raise around $4,000 per person to pay for the six-night, seven-day experience, plus airfare.
They have been working hard to raise the funds since the day they found out they were going.
The cheerleaders are some of the hardest workers around. While they are accepting sponsorships and donations, they are also constantly active in the community, showing up and volunteering to work for donations and/or tips. They have until September 1 to turn in their money and pay for their trip.
Most recently, the New York-bound girls held a Pie in the Face fundraiser at Hometown Thursdays on July 9. They offered people the chance to smash a whipped cream pie in a cheerleader’s face. “Tonight we are doing a fundraiser for the girls going to Macy’s Day Parade in New York and we’re doing it where they can pie the cheerleader in the face,” said Mae Zinke, Advisor. “$5 to choose your cheerleader, or $20 to do all five!” There was a line of people waiting for their chance to pie one of the girls.
The cheerleaders sold Butter Braids, held bake sales, waited tables for tips at the Breakfast Club and the Moose, on both Beef Tip Night and Burger Night. You can find them at most community events painting faces for a free will donation and much more.
According to Zinke, the group is making some headway on the amount they are trying to raise. “I think we’re maybe at the halfway mark,” she shared.
As hard as they have been working, they will continue that pace for the rest of the summer and beyond. If you haven’t gotten a chance to support them at one of the events they have hosted, make sure you come out to one soon. “Our next big event will be July 22nd—a Bingo Night again at the Moose Lodge,” shared Zinke. “And then we have a Dart Tournament at the Cowboy.”
At the Moose Lodge on July 22, supper of sloppy joes, salad, chips and dessert will be served starting at 6 p.m. for $10 per plate. Then, beginning at 7 p.m., bingo will feature $1 cards.
Next, on July 25, the cheerleaders will be hosting a Dart Tournament at the Cowboy Back Bar with registration starting at 1 p.m. There will be a whole host of activities including raffle baskets, 50/50 drawing and a dessert auction following the tournament. A dinner of tacos or tamales with rice and beans will be served for $10 a plate.
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