2010 Cattlemen’s Ball raises $1 million

KEARNEY — It’s official.

The 2010 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Ball in Kearney raised more than $1 million — marking the first time in the event’s 13-year history that its proceeds topped the seven-digit mark.

About the ball The Cattlemen’s Ball is hosted by a different Nebraska ranch or feedlot every year. The 2010 event in Kearney was hosted by Lori and Norris Marshall. The overall mission of the Cattlemen’s Ball 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. The 2011 Cattlemen’s Ball will be held June 3-4, 2011, at the Harry and Doris Knobbe property in West Point. Event details and tickets will soon be available online.

Event officials announced Monday that, after all expenses for the 2010 Cattlemen’s Ball have been paid, the event netted a total of $1,003,300.00 to support cancer research in Nebraska.

“Saying thanks is not nearly enough,” said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. “Topping the $1 million mark is an incredible accomplishment. But, then, we’ve become accustomed to amazing things with the Cattlemen’s Ball over the years. The commitment and dedication of the people involved with the Cattlemen’s Ball are second to none.”

The previous high total was the 2008 event in Albion, which raised $798,000. Since its inception, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised more than $4.8 million.

Ninety percent of the 2010 proceeds will go to the UNMC Eppley Cancer. The other 10 percent supports health and wellness programs in the area where the ball was held.