Cattlemen’s Ball raises record amount of $796,000

Front row from left: Kurt Kruse, Kandi Bremer, Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., Jeanne Reigle and Ray Bennett; back row from left: Ann Bruntz, Bill Pullen, Darreld Saltzman, Wade Horton, Holly Schroeder and Deb Hansen at a check presentation ceremony for the 2008 Cattlemen’s Ball. A record $796,000 was raised during this year’s ball, which was held at the Niewohner Cattle Company near Albion, Neb.

The 2008 Cattlemen’s Ball was one for the record books.

A sellout crowd of nearly 4,000 people gathered June 6-7 at the Niewohner Cattle Company near Albion, Neb. They raised a record $796,000, with nearly 90 percent of the money going toward cancer research at UNMC’s Eppley Cancer Center and the remaining funds staying in Albion and surrounding communities to benefit health-related organizations.

The Eppley Cancer Center received $697,000, which exceeds the previous all-time high by more than $100,000. This year’s record proceeds bring the total amount of money raised over the past 11 years to more than $3.2 million.

The general chairmen for the 2008 Cattlemen’s Ball and the Niewohner family presented the check to Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, at a reception in Albion on Wednesday.

Cattlemen’s support A breakdown of money raised for cancer research at past Cattlemen’s Balls: 1998 – Ainsworth — $95,000 1999 – Lexington — $140,000 2000 – Ogallala — $104,000 2001 – Valentine — $133,000 2002 – Valparaiso — $207,000 2003 – Ashland — $33,000 2004 – Brady — $174,000 2005 – Wisner — $595,000 2006 – Milford — $563,250 2007 – Lodgepole — $480,000 2008 – Albion — $697,000 Total – $3,221,250

“It’s impossible to put into words how grateful we are for this incredible support,” Dr. Cowan said. “Everyone associated with this year’s ball deserves to take a bow. It’s unbelievable how Albion and the surrounding region got behind this event. Obviously, they have raised the bar to a whole new level.

“As the song goes, ‘There is no place like Nebraska.’ The giving spirit in our state is like none other. It’s truly a source of pride for all Nebraskans.”

Despite persistent spring rains, nearly 600 volunteers helped produce this year’s ball. The Cattlemen’s Ball is held on a different Nebraska ranch or feedlot every year. Its mission is to raise money for cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, while showcasing rural Nebraska and promoting beef as part of a healthy diet.

Some of the highlights of this year’s ball included a cocktail reception on the evening of June 6 for Trail Boss ticket holders and a champagne brunch on June 7. Other ball activities included live and silent auctions, a casino, wine and cheese tasting, fashion show, working dog demonstration, quilt presentation, and general store. In addition, Diamond Rio, one of the leading country bands in the United States, performed at this year’s ball.

Next year’s Cattlemen’s Ball will be held June 5 and 6 at the Crane Trust in Doniphan, Neb., about 12 miles south of Grand Island.