Even though tickets have been sold out, multiple donation opportunities still exist; all proceeds stay in Nebraska
KEARNEY, NE — Even though no more tickets are available to the 2010 Cattlemen’s Ball June 4-5 in Kearney, you can still help the event raise money for cancer research by donating through the event’s website, purchasing a raffle ticket, taking a Kearney-area trolley tour, or taking advantage of any one of several other opportunities.
“Every one of us has been touched by cancer in some way — either personally or through a friend or family member,” said Joel Johnson, who with his wife, Jill, is co-chairing the 2010 Cattlemen’s Ball with Dave and Roxanne Oldfather. “The Cattlemen’s Ball is all about raising money to help fight this dreaded disease and promote health and wellness programs here in Nebraska.
“Even if you can’t attend the event, you can still contribute to the cause. We’re taking contributions online through the website at www.cattlemensball.com. You can even bid online during Saturday night’s live auction. Every Nebraskan, no matter where they are, can help this year’s Cattlemen’s Ball achieve its goal. ”
Ticket sales to the event itself are just one source of fundraising during the Cattlemen’s Ball. Live auctions, silent auctions, a golf tournament, a Kearney-area trolley tour, airboat rides on the Platte River and sales of concessions and items in the general store all add money to the bottom line.
The unique handcrafted centerpieces on each dinner table also are for sale, as are many of the 3-foot-tall decorated cowboy boots that have been seen around the area. Several area car dealers have teamed up to provide a truck being raffled off at $100 per ticket.
Details on all events and contribution opportunities are available on the website at www.cattlemensball.com.
“One hundred percent of the proceeds stay right here in Nebraska with the majority of the money going to the Eppley Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha,” Johnson said. “Additional dollars are targeted to local health and wellness programs.”
The Cattlemen’s Ball is hosted by a different Nebraska ranch or feedlot every year. This year’s hosts are Lori and Norris Marshall.
The 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 UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, a portion of the funds is also targeted for local health care organizations.
For details on ways to contribute, visit www.cattlemensball.com.
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.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center — a distinction held by only 65 centers in the country and the only NCI-designated center in Nebraska. The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is also one of the founding members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 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.