Craig Morgan to perform at 2009 Cattlemen’s Ball in Doniphan

DONIPHAN, Neb. — Country singer Craig Morgan, who performs fan-favorites “Red Neck Yacht Club” and “International Harvester,” and whose single “Love Remembers” has spent the last several months on the country radio charts is slated as the spotlight entertainment for the 11th annual Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska, June 5-6, near Doniphan.

The Cattlemen’s Ball will be hosted by Robb Feedyard, Village of Doniphan, and surrounding communities. The event’s theme, “Give Cancer the Boot,” reflects both the fun-filled spirit the event’s organizers have created and the seriousness with which they see their cause.

“We want people to have a great time and we’re excited to showcase central Nebraska and Nebraska Cattlemen. But ultimately we want to raise money for cancer research and treatment,” said Deanna Bosselman, co-chairwoman of this year’s ball. “Cancer touches everyone. Practically everyone has a story about their own cancer diagnosis or that of a loved one. We want fewer of those stories, and we want every one of them to be a success story. That’s why we’re doing this.”

The Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska, Inc. is established to promote beef in a healthy diet, to showcase rural Nebraska and to raise money for health care research. To date, this event has raised more than $3 million for the UNMC/Eppley Cancer Center in Omaha while 10 percent of these funds have been granted to local health care organizations.

The ball features two days full of activities including an art show, wine tasting, casino, live and silent auctions, style show, cooking demonstrations, health screens, a general store and more. A Full Throttle Driving School at Hastings Motorsports Park and a golf tournament at Lochland Country Club are among the weekend’s activities.

“Cancer touches everyone. Practically everyone has a story about their own cancer diagnosis or that of a loved one. We want fewer of those stories, and we want every one of them to be a success story.” Deanna Bosselman

Nebraska’s lean beef will be highlighted at several events such as the Trail Boss Social at Babel’s Barn in Wood River, a private champagne reception hosted by Saint Francis Medical Center of Grand Island, the Trail Boss Brunch and the Saturday evening dinner.

Among the fundraising is a famous boot auction. Organizers are securing well-worn or new boots that have been autographed by local and national celebrities to be auctioned during the event.

Tickets for the events go on sale on Friday and will be available at all Bank of Doniphan branches in Doniphan, Grand Island and Hastings. For ticket information, contact Stacy Bieck at 402-845-6565 or sbieck@bankofdoniphan.com.

Organizers are also looking for volunteers to serve as “ranch hands” for several parts of the event. Those who are interested can contact Suzy Rainforth at 402-744-2029 or bsrain7000@hotmail.com.

The Cattlemen’s Ball Web site will be updated periodically leading up to the event.