Pink is not a color normally associated with rugged events like bull riding and calf roping. However, cowboys, cowgirls and spectators alike proudly donned pink shirts for the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” rodeo at WestWorld in Scottsdale, AZ, on Feb. 27, 2009.

Part of the 56th annual “Parada Del Sol,” (Spanish for “Walk in the Sun”), the professional rodeo and historic parade celebrated western lifestyle with cowboy competition and western pageantry.

Independent Beauty Consultant Penny DiBrito, who has had her Mary Kay business for 19 years and who is also the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” chairman, merged her support for The Mary Kay Foundation with her passion for rodeo by creating a fundraiser. Independent Sales Director Sue Webb joined in, and with 50% of ticket sale proceeds from the Mary Kay independent sales force going to the Foundation, the effort raised $477.

“I have attended other Mary Kay fundraisers at area sporting events, and I was inspired to try something new,” says Penny. “It was gratifying work in support of a vital cause. It’s always fun when you present a check to make a difference for something you believe in.”

Sue, Penny and her daughter, Angela, decorated the grandstand section designated for Mary Kay attendees in shades of pink and lined a display table with Foundation information. Independent Sales Director Char McCreadie was one of four breast cancer survivors honored at the rodeo performance.

“It was awesome, and we’re in a good place going into 2010,” exclaims Penny. “Next year, we’re planning to top what we’ve already accomplished!”