Barrel racing fund raiser to be held for Sheriff’s Office manager
By ANDREA GALABINSKI
nfmneighbor@breezenewspapers.com
A special fund-raising event will be held on Saturday, April 2, at the Lee County Posse Arena to benefit the popular Lee County Sheriff’s Office office manager and crime analyst, Cathy Charron.
“Fellow employees have banded together to do a fund raiser since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, 2010,” said the Sheriff’s Department’s Chris Reeves.
“She’s been with the Lee County Sheriff’s office for over 20 years. Cathy is also active in community events and barrel racing. This is a barrel race to help raise money for her medical expenses and cancer awareness,” he said.
“We are also interested in getting people to come watch the event, and have contacted local barrel racers. Gate proceeds will go to her fund and we are asking if any businesses would like to make donations. They can contact myself or Sherry Cody.”
“I’ve been involved with horseback riding all of my life,” said Charron. “I’ve been a member of the Lee County Posse Arena for many, many years and now my child is following in my footsteps.”
Her daughter, Brittany, is also a member of the Sheriff’s Department.
“She’s an avid barrel racer and goes to rodeos all over the state.”
Both Cathy and Brittany were born and raised in North Fort Myers.
“Not many of those around,” Charron said.
Of her illness, she had this comment. “I’ve been doing good, chemo isn’t easy, but I’m fighting this.”
She wants this event to be a happy occasion.
“She has several friends at the Sheriff’s Office helping with the event as well as friends from the community,” said Reeves.
Gates open at 4, show starts at 6 p.m. No cost is involved, but donations will be accepted.
“There will be family fun activities including barbecue dinners, bounce houses for the kids and lots of raffle prizes,” he said.
The Lee County Posse Arena is at 17401 Palm Creek Drive, North Fort Myers, near the Lee Civic Center. For information call Chris Reeves at 229-1572 or Sherry Cody at 691-6432.