Noted television host, benefactor will be featured at Gooding’s pink luncheon
GOODING, Idaho – The purpose of the Tough Enough to Wear Pink luncheon in conjunction with the Gooding Pro Rodeo is to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.
Organizers, though, look at it as a way to strengthen a giving community while also taking care of families that are affected by the disease and its various forms. There are messages that enlighten and invigorate that may not always be about cancer but are important nonetheless.
“Last year, we had Micah Fink with Heroes and Horses as our speaker, and the message he gave matched well with the purpose of our luncheon,” said Don Gill, the fair and rodeo’s manager. “We’ve stayed along the same lines for this year’s luncheon and will be bringing in Fanchon Stinger.”
A 15-time Emmy-winning television host, Stinger retired from broadcast news in May 2022 after 30 years as a broadcast journalist. She was a longtime anchor for Fox 59 in Indianapolis who graduated from the University of Michigan with a dual degree in English and communications. She now owns FLS Media and Strategic Solutions, which produces positive and inspirational media, while also serving as co-host of Morning on Merit Street, a lifestyle show airing on Merit Street Media, owned by Dr. Phil McGraw.
In 2021, she founded Grit & Grace Nation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young girls to lead. It helps by providing programs that focus on mentorship, career preparation, mental health, developing life skills and etiquette training. She will share that during this year’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink luncheon, set for 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at the Gooding County Fairgrounds.
It’s in conjunction with the Gooding Pro Rodeo, set for Thursday, Aug. 15-Saturday, Aug. 17, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 14. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena.
“Last year’s luncheon set records as far as donations made to our Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign, and everyone at the luncheon received a great message,” Gill said. “I think Fanchon’s going to bring a different but just as honorable message to this year’s luncheon, and I hope the results are just as great as they were last year, if not greater.”
Stinger has much more in her repertoire than just being a TV host and organization founder. She has developed a passion for animal welfare and Western sports and owns bulls that compete in the PBR. In addition, she is a contributor to PBR Now, a weekly television program on RidePass.
“I truly believe Fanchon will fit in well with the people from southern Idaho and the pride they have in our community,” Gill said. “We’re looking forward to her message and her personality being part of our luncheon.”