POST-EVENT UPDATE: Through generous donations received, the Cotton Bowl Foundation raised $55,410 for the Kilgore College Rangerettes.

ARLINGTON, Texas – It's fitting that the Cotton Bowl Foundation supports the Kilgore College Rangerettes. The two institutions have enjoyed a unique partnership that began on New Year's Day 1949 and consecutively since the 1951 Cotton Bowl Classic.

One of the Cotton Bowl Foundation's tenets is supporting organizations with a legacy of contributing to the Classic's success. The "Sweethearts of the Gridiron" made their 68th consecutive performance at the 82nd Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 29 at AT&T Stadium. The Rangerettes, formed in 1940 to bring "show business" to the football field, pioneered the art of dancing drill teams that has swept the nation.
 

 "It's absolutely amazing that they would choose the Rangerette organization to be the recipient of those funds. It's a great honor. I can't even believe how much was raised in such a short period of time. We are hoping to use that money to do some things that will enhance the organization and affect many different girls. "We're not going to use that just for this year but make purchases for things that will benefit the girls in the long run, for many, many years," said Dana Blair, Kilgore Rangerettes Director.