Lewis and Clark County law enforcement dresses in purple for the Man Up Crusade

Lewis and Clark County law enforcement dresses in purple for the Man Up Crusade at the Last Chance Stampede on July 24. The Crusade brings awareness of domestic violence. 

Photo courtesy Lewis and Clark County Law Enforcement.

HELENA, Mont. – The Last Chance Stampede and Fair will partner with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and The Friendship Center (TFC) for the fifth annual Man Up Crusade. 

The event raises financial support and awareness for victims of domestic violence. Attendees are asked to wear purple to the rodeo on July 24 for the event. 

The Stampede and Fair runs July 21 to July 25.  The rodeo starts at 7 p.m. each night of July 23 to July 25.

Rodeo tickets range from $24 to $28. They can be purchased on the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds website. 

The Stampede helps raise funds for TFC in Helena through the The Man Up Crusade. A buckle is raffled off by the sheriff’s office. Attendees can buy tickets from law enforcement walking the fairgrounds. The TFC also benefits from tips given to the Helena Exchange club for bar sales. 

The Last Chance Stampede pickup men wear purple on Purple Night

The Last Chance Stampede pickup men wear purple on Purple Night at the Stampede. This year’s Man Up night is July 24.

Photo courtesy Josh Homer. 

Since Purple Night began in the Stampede in 2022, nearly $10,000 was raised for The Friendship Center.

Kim Patterson, Executive Director of TFC, shared that the money goes to a variety of needs, such as car repairs because someone needs to leave a situation or is looking for a job.  Money goes towards safe phones, hotel rooms, rental assistance, or paying for deposits to help a victim into their own place.

“When we receive funding that isn’t restricted, it keeps us super nimble and able to respond to every person who comes through our door,” Patterson said. 

Patterson and Colbert agreed that awareness was just as important as funding. 

“The awareness the Stampede provides for domestic violence is important,” said Brent Colbert, Lewis and Clark County Undersheriff, “Domestic violence never goes away. If we can raise awareness, and help that person decide to talk to law enforcement or The Friendship Center, it’s worth it.”

“The emphasis is the awareness, and solidarity for the survivors,” Patterson said. “Getting in front of people who may not think about domestic violence day in and day out is important.”