Photo by: Rupert Berrington, Pro-Motion Ltd.
CU Launches Ralphie’s 50th Anniversary Campaign
July 04, 2017 | Football, Ralphie
This coming 2017 season marks the 50th anniversary of the tradition of the running of Ralphie
BOULDER – For five decades, University of Colorado live buffalo mascot Ralphie has roamed the sidelines in Folsom field.
Since 1967, CU's beloved mascot has led the team out on to the field before games. After well over 300 games and many more appearances, the University of Colorado will celebrate Ralphie's 50th Anniversary this 2017 season and the year-long celebration was launched Tuesday night at the Fourth of July firework show at Folsom Field.
Ralphie, with a team of varsity student-athletes called Ralphie Handlers, is a symbol of Buff pride and is best known for leading the football team onto the field on game day. As one of the most exclusive sights in college or professional sports, even opposing teams are excited to watch her round the end zone and fly by their sideline.
Each year, about 15 Ralphie Handlers train for many hours to run with Ralphie in the most thrilling mascot display in all of college sports. They have to be strong and fast to run with Ralphie V who weighs to 1,200 pounds and can run up to 25 mph.
Being a Ralphie Handler takes up to 30 hours a week during football season and up to 15 hours a week the rest of the year. While the Ralphie Handlers are volunteers, the Ralphie Live Mascot Program uses donations to pay for everything else—including premium hay, care for Ralphie, custom harnesses, ropes, gloves, travel, and Nike workout and game gear for the handlers.
As part of the 50th Anniversary, CU is looking to continue the legacy of its live mascot Ralphie and her handlers. It has set a goal to raise $50,000 by the end of the 2017 football season to keep the Ralphie program alive and well.
Fans of Colorado and Ralphie lovers can make a direct donation to the Ralphie Handler program online through the crowdfunding page CU has set up.
Click here to go to that crowdfunding page.
CU is also offering rewards for those who donate this fall to the Ralphie program and fans are encouraged to share widely on social media their fond memories of Ralphie.
Since 1967, CU's beloved mascot has led the team out on to the field before games. After well over 300 games and many more appearances, the University of Colorado will celebrate Ralphie's 50th Anniversary this 2017 season and the year-long celebration was launched Tuesday night at the Fourth of July firework show at Folsom Field.
Ralphie, with a team of varsity student-athletes called Ralphie Handlers, is a symbol of Buff pride and is best known for leading the football team onto the field on game day. As one of the most exclusive sights in college or professional sports, even opposing teams are excited to watch her round the end zone and fly by their sideline.
Each year, about 15 Ralphie Handlers train for many hours to run with Ralphie in the most thrilling mascot display in all of college sports. They have to be strong and fast to run with Ralphie V who weighs to 1,200 pounds and can run up to 25 mph.
Being a Ralphie Handler takes up to 30 hours a week during football season and up to 15 hours a week the rest of the year. While the Ralphie Handlers are volunteers, the Ralphie Live Mascot Program uses donations to pay for everything else—including premium hay, care for Ralphie, custom harnesses, ropes, gloves, travel, and Nike workout and game gear for the handlers.
As part of the 50th Anniversary, CU is looking to continue the legacy of its live mascot Ralphie and her handlers. It has set a goal to raise $50,000 by the end of the 2017 football season to keep the Ralphie program alive and well.
Fans of Colorado and Ralphie lovers can make a direct donation to the Ralphie Handler program online through the crowdfunding page CU has set up.
Click here to go to that crowdfunding page.
CU is also offering rewards for those who donate this fall to the Ralphie program and fans are encouraged to share widely on social media their fond memories of Ralphie.
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