Date: September 30, 2008
When Chaney Enterprises lost its founding father, Eugene “Babe” Chaney to cancer shortly after starting the company, his son Dickie took over the reigns. But Dickie also had “fire in the belly” to kick cancer where it counts, and rallied his employees and the Chaney family to action. That action, 29 years ago, was the first Annual Chaney Bull Roast.
Sadly, Dickie also took a knock-out to cancer in 1988. Following his brother’s death, Frank Chaney stepped into the leadership of the company. Chaney has always been passionately committed to the mission of the Bull Roast—to provide needed funds to help find a cure for the cancer that took his father and brother.
Nearly all of Chaney’s extended family of employees past and present have been touched by cancer. So over the last 29 years, many Chaney family members have shared their time and talents since childhood along side the many Chaney Enterprises employees to make the Bull Roast the enduring and favorite tradition it has become.
For Pat Swann, CE credit manager and 16-year employee, the Bull Roast is a must and on her calendar every year. Running the Big-6 Wheel with her team, for Swann the joy of volunteering at the Bull Roast is about more than just the money raised. “I spend a lot of time talking on the phone to our customers, so it’s great to mingle with them in a more personal atmosphere and on a personal level. We share a beer and ribs and get to know each other outside of business, which goes a long way in building strong relationships with them and with Chaney,” said Swann. “It’s a fine day for a good charity.”
The running theme—of sharing personal time with customers, family and friends—is embraced by all the Chaney family and employees, current and retired, who donate their time for such a worthy and important cause. With the inviting aroma of fresh barbequed ribs and beef on the open pit, guests share food, beverage, raffles, Big-6 Wheel and Blackjack, and fellowship for a nominal contribution. And the efforts of so many have paid off, with more than $1 million donated to the American Cancer Society from the event’s beginnings.
This year’s Bull Roast will include the barbeque, oysters, beverages donated by Coca Cola Bottling Co., and water donated by Deer Park. Activities include Big 6 Wheel and Blackjack and a new activity this year, the CAT simulator provided by Alban Tractor Company. This year, music and entertainment will be provided by First Groove Sound Services. Guests can bid on great silent auction items, including tickets to see the Washington Redskins vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, a fly fishing trip on Hooper’s Island, rounds of golf for four at Old South Country Club, golf foursome to any one of the three Brick Companies golf courses, Lia Sophia jewelry, a gift certificate from Tricks N’ Trucks, a variety of gift baskets and more.The 29th Annual Bull Roast will be held on October 18, 2008, from 1-5 p.m., at the Waldorf Elks Lodge. Tickets are $50 each for adults; $25 for youth 7-12 years. Bull Roast guests park at the Chaney Office Building at 12480 Mattawoman Drive and are shuttled to the event. The proceeds from the Bull Roast are donated to the American Cancer Society. For tickets or information, contact Sherry Santana, community relations specialist, 301-932-5665 or e-mail ssantana@ChaneyEnterprises.com, or visit www.ChaneyEnterprises.com.