DONIPHAN, Neb. — In spite of one of the worst recessions in history and a torrential rainstorm in the early morning hours prior to the event, the 2009 Cattlemen’s Ball raised nearly a half million dollars for cancer research as well as health care and wellness activities in area communities.
On Tuesday night, officials of the 2009 event announced the final total — $488,694.23 — with nearly 90 percent of that money going toward cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. The remaining funds are being apportioned across central Nebraska through a series of grants.
Co-chairs Fred and Deanna Bosselman and Don and Marilyn Deitemeyer — along with Greg Robb, a cattleman whose family hosted the 2009 Cattlemen’s Ball near Doniphan — presented the check to Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D, director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center at a reception in Hastings on Tuesday.
Dr. Cowan commended the chairs and the group of volunteers behind this year’s event.
"It is truly a yeoman effort to raise this kind of money in the present down economy," Dr. Cowan said. "It’s a testimony to the quality of the people who were involved in this year’s ball. They were so dedicated from beginning to end — what an outstanding team of hard working volunteers.
"They not only had to battle the economy, but they also had to contend with some heavy rain on the day of the ball. Nothing could stop them. They were bound and determined to give cancer the boot, and they made it happen. I can’t thank them enough."
Despite the muddy grounds and a messy economy, on June 6 more than 3,000 people gathered in Doniphan to give cancer the boot.
Deanna Bosselman thanked the more than 500 people who volunteered in one way or another to make this year’s Cattlemen’s Ball an unqualified success.
“We’re so grateful to everyone," she said.
"We cannot say enough about our volunteers who gave so much time, talent and effort, especially those who responded to the pre-dawn call for assistance when we needed to prepare the grounds after five inches of rain just hours before the start of the ball," Don Deitemeyer said.
Some significant new developments for the 11th annual Cattlemen’s Ball included:
- A new theme for the event-"Give Cancer the Boot"-which will continue as the event theme for 2010;
- Honoring cancer survivors with "I Gave Cancer the Boot" T-shirts;
- A "Famous Boots Auction," which raised more than $18,000 by auctioning autographed boots from famous folks such as billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffett;
- A raffle for a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, which raised a record $76,693; and
- A new Web site, which provided for online bidding, online donations and social media.
Other activities included:
- A fashion show featuring cancer survivors as runway models;
- A cocktail reception the evening prior to the event and a cocktail brunch on Saturday for Trail Boss ticket holders;
- A casino;
- Wine tasting;
- Working dog demonstrations, and
- A general store.
Country music star Craig Morgan performed Saturday evening.
The Cattlemen’s Ball is hosted by a different Nebraska ranch or feedlot every year. Its mission is to raise money for cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Canter, while showcasing rural Nebraska and promoting beef as part of a healthy diet. Since its inception, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised more than $3.7 million.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center — a distinction held by only 64 centers in the country. The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated center in the state of Nebraska. The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is also one of the 13 founding members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of the world’s leading cancer centers. This recognition means the most current and innovative treatment options are available to Cancer Center patients through the integration of cutting-edge research into state-of-the-art care. Cancer Center physicians and scientists work together to quickly translate discoveries made in the laboratory into innovative treatments for the patient.
UNMC is the only public health science center in the state. Its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through their commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading centers in cancer, transplantation biology, bioterrorism preparedness, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, biomedical technology and ophthalmology. UNMC’s research funding from external sources now exceeds $82 million annually and has resulted in the creation of more than 2,400 highly skilled jobs in the state. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 513 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.
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
- 2009 – Doniphan- $488,000
- Total – $3,709,250
Next year
The 2010 Cattlemen’s Ball will be held June 5 at the Norris Marshall family property south of Kearney. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cattlemensball.com.
"You don’t have to be a farmer or rancher to attend this event — and you can wear jeans, shorts or whatever makes you comfortable," Marshall said. "This is one of Nebraska’s biggest parties — and everyone is invited next June."