Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (July 22, 2024) — Today, the American Red Cross of Utah announced the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo will make a donation to help Utahns during times of crisis. The rodeo organizers have pledged to donate $800 for every bull rider who successfully completes an 8-second ride during Tuesday's rodeo performance. This generous contribution will provide immediate assistance to victims of home fires and other disasters.
“The Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo’s generous contribution helps ensure that the Red Cross of Utah can swiftly respond with comfort and care in disaster situations,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “This donation will support the Red Cross in continuing lifesaving fire prevention efforts, including providing free smoke alarms and installations in vulnerable communities.”
The support from the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo for the American Red Cross of Utah showcases a shared dedication to enhancing community support systems and providing crucial aid to those affected by crises. By blending sportsmanship with humanitarian action, the rodeo highlights a profound commitment to community well-being.
“The Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo goes beyond thrilling events. We believe in supporting community members in need,” said Tommy Joe Lucia, Executive Director of Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo. “This pledge to donate to the American Red Cross of Utah underscores the rodeo’s dedication to empowering emergency response efforts and creating lasting impact for people and families recovering from disasters.”
Most frequent disaster
The Red Cross of Utah frequently responds to home fires, the nation’s most common disaster, which often leaves families devastated and in immediate need of assistance. Last year, local teams responded to over 250 home fires, helping more than 800 neighbors. Additionally, Red Cross staff and volunteers installed over 500 free smoke alarms locally. Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah.
Every day in the U.S., home fires claim seven lives, often in homes without working smoke alarms. Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save over 2,100 lives nationwide by providing fire safety education, creating escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
About the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo
The Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo, hosted at the Days of ‘47 Arena in Salt Lake City each July, is a longstanding tradition dating back to 1847. This event, along with other Days of ‘47 celebrations, commemorates the arrival of Utah pioneers in the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. The rodeo operates as a non-profit organization with a volunteer base, dedicated to honoring Utah’s pioneer heritage and educating the state’s youth. Riders at the Utah Days of '47 Rodeo vie for Gold, Silver or Bronze Medals produced by OC Tanner, the company that crafted medals for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games held in Salt Lake City.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.