Second ‘Back the Blue’ event a great success

Back the Blue organizers gathered together along with a few members of the Ponca City Police Foundation to gift Ponca City Police Chief Don Bohon and Assistant Chief Anthony Rogers with the grand prize.

The BTB BBQ benefit was held May 20 at the 101 Rodeo grounds. Sergeant Chad VanHoesen’s name was drawn to receive a $5,000 certificate for training for his department. Over $8,300 was raised at the second annual BTB BBQ and plans are already underway for the third event.

Officers from all of the Kay and some of the Osage County agencies attended along with hundreds of citizens that support law enforcement.

Adam Hobbs, Jason Troutman, Brandon Buell, and Cory Goodno laid the groundwork for the event last year. According to Hobbs, it doubled this year and he hopes the momentum continues for years to come.

“Involving Cory Goodno, a board member of the 101 Ranch Rodeo committee, and actually moving the event to the rodeo grounds were huge boosts,” Hobbs said. “Contributions are the key to the success in a deal like this and when you are putting together something for the men and women of law enforcement, folks want to help out.”

The event included great food, a lot of good people and entertainment provided by Morrison 33, Evan Michaels Band and Chad Harrell.

The Ponca City Rodeo Foundation, Eastman National Bank, Legacy Sign, the City of Ponca City, Stolhand-Wells, American Roofing, Evans & Associates, RCB Bank, Herc Rental, A&I Sporting, Blue Line Water Fowl, Impressions Auto Detail, Neiman Fencing, the Vapor Artisan, Custom Powder & Blasting, Larry & Terri Watts, Rick George, Barry Chance , Traci Bickford, Brandt’s Ace Hardware, Food Pyramid, Apple Market, Discount Foods, Larry Weems State Farm, Darren Dyer Farm Bureau, C Johnston Welding, A&R Firearms, Jarrod Hobbs, Dr. Holden, Rita & Maury McClain, Jany’s Daycare, Jessica Short and Cowboy Gun & Pawn all helped make the event a success.

Drawings were held for the ladies, too. Those folks that made them possible were Kylie Hughes, Merrick’s Salon, A New You Day Spa, Stolhand-Wells and Greenfield’s Greenhouse.