KEARNEY, NE—Ticket sales are dramatically picking up pace as the 2010 Cattlemen’s Ball is just about 60 days away. This year’s event will be held June 4-5 in Kearney, hosted by Norris and Lori Marshall at their acreage four miles southwest of Kearney. Robin and Eugene Marshall are honorary hosts.
“Our goal this year is to raise $1 million for cancer research and health and wellness programs right here in Nebraska,” said Dave Oldfather, co-chair for this year’s event. “We just passed the 1,100 mark in ticket sales and the pace is picking up as this year’s ball is only about 60 days away.”
Topping the bill for this year’s ball is a performance by country music superstar Randy Travis, who will perform on Saturday night. This year’s event also includes airboat tours of the Platte River, a style show, craft and arts fair, barbecue tasting, microbrew beer tasting, casino, Pony Express delivery, hay rack rides, a wild west show and a post-concert dance.
Two levels of tickets are offered. Top Hand tickets provide admission at noon on Saturday. “You can have great seats for the Randy Travis concert, get a prime rib dinner, enjoy a dance after the concert, free parking and a full afternoon of fun for much less than one typical concert ticket in Lincoln or Omaha,” Oldfather said. “This is truly great fun at a great value for a great cause.”
Trail Boss tickets include admission to additional events on Friday evening and Saturday morning.
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 Center, 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. In addition to providing funds to the Eppley Cancer Center, a portion of the funds is also targeted for local health care organizations. “All the money raised stays right here in Nebraska,” Oldfather added.
Event details and tickets are available online at www.cattlemensball.com. Tickets are also available by visiting Platte Valley State Bank in Kearney or calling 308.234.2424.
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.
As the state’s only academic health science center, UNMC is on the leading edge of health care. Breakthroughs are possible because hard-working researchers, educators and clinicians are resolved to work together to fuel discovery. In 2009, UNMC’s extramural research support topped $100 million for the first time, resulting in the creation of 3,600 jobs in Nebraska. UNMC’s academic excellence is shown through its award-winning programs, and its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through its 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 health care centers. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 550 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.