Last Updated on August 6, 2015 – 2:37 PM CDT
Real men wear purple. At least they will on the opening night of the XIT Rodeo & Reunion in Dalhart. Man Up Crusade partnered with the XIT to raise awareness for domestic violence, and 10 percent of Thursday’s gate admissions will go to Safe Place Inc. in Dumas.
Purple is the color associated with domestic violence awareness, and people who attend XIT on Thursday are encouraged to wear it. Man Up Crusade, a nonprofit organization started by an Idaho sheriff, works to raise awareness of domestic violence and has partnered with Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths and other organizations to rid society of the epidemic. The Man Up Crusade brings “purple night” into professional rodeos and bull riding events where fans, cowboys and stock contractors wear purple in solidarity against domestic violence.
“Man Up Crusade donated a belt buckle for the silent auction, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Safe Place,” said Dumas Police Sgt. Selena Cooley, who also is a Safe Place board member. “By encouraging people to wear purple, Man Up Crusade puts the message out there about what domestic violence does to our society. It helps to make people aware that it’s a problem. This is a great opportunity for Dumas people to come to XIT and show their support for Safe Place, and it’s an opportunity for us to spread the word about the life-saving work the organization does.”
Cooley will be at XIT on Thursday, working a booth to take donations and to spread the word about Safe Place.
The XIT Rodeo & Reunion runs Aug. 6 to Aug. 8. For more information about it click on the this link.
For more information on Man Up Crusade, click on this link.
