Harrisburg, NE – For the fifth consecutive year, proceeds from the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska topped the $1 million mark, as this year’s ball held at the Hoot Owl Ranch in Harrisburg, Neb. (Banner County) on June 6-7 raised $1.3 million.
Over the past 17 years, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised more than $11 million. This year’s ball raised the fourth highest total ever. The mission for the event is to raise money for cancer research at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, while showcasing Nebraska and promoting beef as part of a healthy diet.
As in past years, 90 percent of the proceeds will go toward cancer research at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and the remaining 10 percent will go toward local health care organizations.
“Once again, this reinforces what a unique event the Cattlemen’s Ball is,” said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “There is nothing like it. Each year, it goes to a different Nebraska community, and each year it is an incredible success.
“This year’s ball was special. The entire panhandle rallied behind it. The pristine hills of Banner County made for a spectacular setting. We couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who made it possible. It’s a tremendous commitment, and they couldn’t have pulled it off with more grace and class.”
A sellout crowd of 4,000 attended this year’s ball, which featured silent and live auctions, a style show, golf tournament, art show and a concert featuring Montgomery Gentry.
Host families for this year's event were Kenny and Misty Stauffer along with the ranch owners Jeff and Kathy May. Co-chairs were Jeff Heldt and Monty Stoddard. The theme for this year’s event was "Corral a Cure for Cancer."
“I've had a lot of people ask me how the ball went or what would you have changed?” said Kenny Stauffer. “My answer has been simple – not a thing. In our eyes it was perfect. We had worked together with 41 committees for over a year and to watch everything unfold the week of the ball was very emotional.
“To see 600-plus people all working together for the same goal and to see the whole Nebraska panhandle come together was a piece that many won't forget. I think we definitely changed a lot of people's view of what the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska really is and how beautiful Western Nebraska can be.
“We can't forget the good Lord had his hand in all the success of the event. The pastures couldn't have been more beautiful, and every storm split the site and went around us, until it was over. Then came the rain on Sunday, and we received 1.5 inches.”
Stauffer expressed his gratitude for all the people who helped with this year’s ball and all those who attended.
“We could not have put on this amazing event without all of the help and support of our volunteers, donations and supporters,” he said. “Together we are making a difference in cancer care and treatment. Thank you.”
Pictures from the event can be seen at www.cattlemensball.com by clicking on Gallery.
The 2015 Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska will be held on June 5-6 at the Tom Herzog and Kim Schweers’ Ranch near Redbird, 4 ½ miles south of Lynch. The location is near the northern border of Nebraska and close to the Niobrara River.
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center — a distinction held by only 68 centers in the country. It is the only NCI-designated center in the state of Nebraska. The Fred & Pamela Buffett 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.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu and follow us on social media.
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A history of success
The past 17 Cattlemen’s Balls by year, site and amount raised:
- 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;
- 2010: Kearney, $1,003,000;
- 2011: West Point, $1,490,000;
- 2012: McCool Junction, $1,410,300;
- 2013: Paxton/Sutherland, $2,120,000;
- 2014: Harrisburg/Banner County, $1,300,000.
Total: $11.03 million