- The Chase Hawks Memorial Association Story - In September of 1994, a six-year-old Montana cowboy named Chase Hawks was killed in a tragic accident. Family and friends gathered to form the Chase Hawks Memorial Association (CHMA) with the goal of finding hope for others facing crisis and possibly easing some of their own heartbreak. The Association keeps Chase's memory forever in the hearts of many while bringing the comfort of much needed assistance to many more. CHMA is simply neighbors helping neighbors in the cowboy tradition of community spirit. The Association has become a viable source of help for families needing short-term assistance or help with travel, facilities, and local benefits that are not addressed by larger charities or insurance because of immediacy or circumstances. The Association has been able to effectively pull together volunteer efforts from the community at large and provide media focus and corporate cooperation at an unprecedented level. This is primarily due to the universal appeal of a community crisis fund and the fact that the organization is an all-volunteer effort. The Association’s efforts are anchored by the Annual Rough Stock Rodeo and the Cowboy Gatherin’ Dinner and Dance. These events have brought fans from a three or four hundred-mile radius to Billings for the weekend. This is a welcome influx for the motel and service businesses at a traditional slow time. The visitors are also in town during the last few days of shopping before Christmas. The rodeo was considered one of the premier rough stock events in the country the first year and is currently being aired on national television as a one-hour special since its second. The willingness of world-class rodeo personnel to offer their time, as well as the fact that the event draws the best cowboys in the world have established this event as a regional highlight as well as a great advertising opportunity for local and national sponsors.The Association has provided travel expenses and lodging for family tragedies as well as transplant donors and recipients. Help with peripheral expenses for medical problems, therapy and family travel and expenses due to illness and death have been provided by the fund. Construction of wheelchair ramps and collection of clothes and household items for fire victims have also been accomplished. Co-promotion and media attention have allowed the Association to secure a car, airline and bus tickets, and matching funds from area department stores for families in need. Emergency surgery, funeral expenses, rent, rehabilitation, and retrofit expenses, as well as toys and Christmas money have been provided. Recipients and their friends and families have become volunteers. This is an organization that makes people feel good about their communities and themselves.Contact us for more information.