Robertsdale, Ala. – On Saturday, the Robertsdale Arena will host a lively cattle‑sorting competition organized by the Robertsdale Rotary Club. The event is a fundraiser for the DASH Foundation of Baldwin County, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families battling cancer and other serious, life‑altering illnesses.
How the competition works
Two riders on horseback form a team and are given a numbered set of cattle. Starting from the number they draw, they must move the animals into a pen in strict numerical order, all against the clock. “They’ve got a minute to sort and every rider – every team – it will be a two‑man team – gets one number drawn and they start from that and they move forward consecutively,” explained Ryan Frolik, a member of the Robertsdale Rotary Club.
While the contest can be challenging, Frolik emphasized that riders of any skill level are welcome. Winners receive a share of the $25 per ride payout and, of course, bragging rights among the local equestrian community.
Supporting the DASH Foundation
The DASH Foundation’s mission is to ease the financial burden of medical care for families in need. “We are paying people’s chemo treatments, travel costs, things like that. And so every little bit that we can bring in from events like this makes a huge difference in our cause,” said Renee Hawsey, president of the foundation.
In the past five years, the foundation has distributed more than $420,000 to 137 families, a testament to the community’s generosity and the effectiveness of local fundraising efforts.
Community partners and additional activities
United Bank, a co‑sponsor of the roundup, sees the event as a natural fit with its agricultural roots and its commitment to supporting local families. “After learning more about the roundup it just seemed like a natural fit for United Bank given our agricultural roots. So we’re very excited to be a co‑sponsor and lend our support,” said Marcia Jernigan, manager of United Bank’s Daphne branch.
Spectators can attend the competition for free throughout the weekend. Practice sessions run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 13, with the main competition beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 14. The United Bank tent will feature giveaways and a raffle, while the DASH Foundation will have a table offering information about its services.
Additional attractions include a $20 t‑shirt for sale, with all proceeds directed to the foundation, and a food stand from Royal Eats serving fried ribs for attendees.
Why this matters to Robertsdale families
Events like the Rotary Roundup illustrate how local organizations can rally together to address the pressing health‑care needs of families facing serious illness. By combining a fun, community‑focused competition with a clear charitable purpose, the event underscores the strength of Baldwin County’s volunteer spirit and the importance of faith‑based and family‑centered values in supporting one another.
Residents are encouraged to attend, volunteer, or donate to the DASH Foundation, helping ensure that more families receive the financial relief they need during difficult medical journeys.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
