Kearney event surpasses previous record by more than $205,000
KEARNEY, NE — It’s official. The 2010 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Ball in Kearney has raised more money than ever before — ending up over the $1 million mark for the first time in its history. Event officials announced today that, after all expenses for the 2010 Cattlemen’s Ball have been paid, the event netted a total of $1,003,300 to help “Give Cancer the Boot.” 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.
All of the proceeds stay right here in Nebraska for cancer research and for local health and wellness programs. Ninety percent of the 2010 proceeds will go to the Eppley Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
Local health and wellness programs submitted grant applications for the remaining 10 percent of the proceeds — a total of more than $100,000. Ball officials also announced the recipients of those grants as follows:
Kearney Volunteer Fire Department $15,000
Three Masimo Rad-57 Pulse CO-Oximetry units
Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation $19,100
Two infusion chairs
Kearney County Health Services $15,000
Cardiac Stress Systems, Ultrasound Small Probe,
Hematology Analyzer, Coagulation Analyzer
UNK Kearney Health Opportunities Program $5,000
Scholarships for Medical Students
Kearney Catholic Foundation $2,500
First Aid/Emergency Kits for Classrooms & Gyms
Ravenna Medical Task Group $7,500
X-Ray Unit
Amherst Volunteer Fire Department $7,500
Contribution to New EMS and Fire Station
Nebraska One Box Habitat Foundation $15,000
John Deere Gator with med bed for emergency use at
area events
Holdrege Volunteer Fire Department $4,500
Rappelling equipment
UNK Sports Medicine $6,500
Hot & Cold Therapy Treatment Systems
Tri-Country Hospital (Lexington) $2,700
Wound Clinic Exam Table
Co-chairman Dave Oldfather praised the contributors and volunteers who made the 2010 Cattlemen’s Ball the most financially successful ever. “There was tremendous support and involvement throughout the state, especially here in central Nebraska,” he said. “Making the million-dollar mark was our goal from the get-go, and it took a lot of people and a lot of dedication, time and resources to raise this record amount for cancer research and local health programs.”
Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center praised those involved with the 2010 Cattlemen’s Ball. "Saying thanks is not nearly enough," he said. "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. These people know how to get the job done.
"The ball has truly evolved over the years. I’m not sure if there is a bigger fundraising event in our state right now. It has become the place to be on the first weekend in June. We are absolutely thrilled that the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is the chief benefactor of all this support. It speaks volumes for how cancer touches all of us and the importance of cancer research in coming up with solutions to the complex problems that cancer brings. We applaud everyone who was involved with this remarkable achievement. With the support of tens of thousands of Nebraskans who have contributed to the Cattlemen’s Ball over the years, we will give cancer the boot."
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, with Robin and Judy Marshall and Eugene and Donna Marshall serving as honorary hosts. Co-chairs were Dave and Roxanne Oldfather and Joel and Jill Johnson. 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 at the Harry and Doris Knobbe property in West Point, Neb. Event details and tickets will soon be available online at www.cattlemensball.com.