Cattlemen’s Ball ranch party raises funds for cancer research

Pictured here, from left to right, are Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director, UNMC Eppley Cancer Center; Douglas Hageman, associate director, finance and administration; and Lyn Timmerman, Kae Pavlik and Wade Horton, all from the Cattlemen’s Ball Advisory Board.

The Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska recently presented the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center with a check for $33,000 for cancer research.

The funds were raised at the 2003 Cattlemen’s Ball Ranch Party, a “mini” version of the traditional Cattlemen’s Ball. This year’s ranch party was May 31 at the Double D Farm of David and Dickie Fulkerson near Ashland, Neb.

Initially, the Cattlemen’s Ball Advisory Board had decided to take the year off due to the drought and economic conditions. They later reconsidered and organized a ranch party, which was attended by more than 450 people.

The Cattlemen’s Ball promotes beef in a healthy diet and showcases rural Nebraska. All of the money raised stays in Nebraska, with proceeds going to the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center and 10 percent directed toward health-care needs in the community hosting the event. The Mead, Neb., rescue squad is the beneficiary of this year’s local contribution.

The 2004 Cattlemen’s Ball will be at the Upper 84 Ranch near Brady, Neb., and will be hosted by Jay Novacek, former Pro Bowl tight end for the Dallas Cowboys.