by Megan Hanchey

Recently, our world has been hit with many acts of violence. Dallas unfortunately was involved in one of these terrible incidents in July. In an effort to help the families of fallen Dallas police officers, Team Ropers and the ERA hosted a fundraiser on Saturday to benefit those who have given so much.

The Back the Blue Pro Am Team Roping Benefit allowed amateur contestants to rope with the professionals, and many of the pairings were roping together for the first time. All of the steers were donated, and not a dime was paid to host the event. The cowboys came together to work the chutes, gates, stripping chutes, and every other aspect associated with this roping.

During the welcome presentation, each amateur picked a name from a hat to select a partner. The Back the Blue Pro Am was won by header JP Powell roping with world champion Jade Corkill. Along with winning the average with Corkill, Powell took home a Truth saddle and a beautiful buckle.

Each amateur contestant put up an entry fee to be able to compete, which went straight to the organization to help the families of the fallen Dallas officers. At the end of the event, the ERA team ropers were able to give the organization a $25,000 check.