Saturday, September 27, 1997
More than 100 cattle expected for Round-Up
Tuesday
By J.T. SMITH / Abilene Reporter-News
Like the fall nip in the air, the Cattlemen's Round-Up for
Rehab is an autumn tradition.
Since 1960, the outpouring of love from ranchers and neighbors
has brought the West Texas Rehabilitation Center $7 million in
37 fall Round-Ups to serve its patients.
More than 100 cattle are expected for the fall sale at 1 p.m.
Tuesday at Abilene Livestock Auction. Many already had arrived
at the Rehab Pens by Friday in advance of next week's sale.
Some of Texas' most famous ranches are among those sending
donations -- including the historic Pitchfork Ranch, famed 6666
Ranch and cattle from Albany ranchers Bob Green and Bill Green
III. And even though Albany rancher Watt R. Matthews died April
13 at his beloved Lambshead Ranch, the Matthews ranches have continued
to donate to the Round-Up in Matthews' generous spirit.
"Bob Moorhouse and the Pitchfork sent twice as many cattle
this year," said Danny Isbell, WTRC field representative.
Meanwhile, Abilene's A.L. "Dusty" Rhodes, president
of the Texas Hereford Association, has donated a Hereford bull
for the big sale.
"In a new twist, we also will sell a couple of horses
this year in addition to the cattle," Isbell said.
Jim Pethis, WTRC president, said corporate sponsors also are
pitching in.
"The Rehab Center gratefully acknowledges major corporate
underwriters for the Round-Up in the Texas Production Credit Association
and the Federal Land Bank Association," Pethis said Friday.
"We also appreciate the underwriting support from Wrangler."
Isbell said in addition to range cattle, some already-fattened
cattle from several feedlots have been donated and are ready to
go to the locker plant.
Mike Alexander of Abilene is Cattlemen's Round-Up general chairman
for the Big Country, succeeding his father and rancher, Jim Alexander,
who dedicated 19 years of service as Round-Up chairman. Carter
Behrens of San Angelo is Concho Valley general chairman.
Randy Carson, president of Abilene Livestock Auction, along
with partners John W. Michener Jr. of Fort Worth and Madison Michener
of Amarillo have been preparing for the 38th annual Round-Up for
many weeks.
"They are doing a super job in helping us," Isbell
said.
Each year, the WTRC serves more than 17,000 individuals from
the Southwest who are admitted on referral by a physician, approved
agency or institution. No one is denied service because of their
lack of ability to pay. Over the years, that has been the trademark
of the Rehab Center which has gained national admiration.
Now in its 44th year of operation, the Rehab Center continues
to provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology,
audiology, orthotics, industrial rehabilitation and numerous support
services.
Alexander emphasized that people do not have to be ranchers
or rural residents to support the Round-Up sale Tuesday. There
are plenty of novelty items in the auction for city cousins, and
cash donations in any amount always are deeply appreciated.
The Rehab Chuckwagon will begin serving cornbread, beans and
other food at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday prior to the afternoon sale.
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Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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