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Bob Dickinson and his daughter-in-law, Molly. |
The ball raises money for cancer research at UNMC. Bob and Marg Dickinson, owners of Midwest Feeding Company, will host this year’s event with their family.
Ninety percent of the proceeds are donated to UNMC’s Eppley Cancer Center in Omaha and the remaining 10 percent stays in the area for local health care. Organizers hope to raise $350,000 this year. Over the previous eight years, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised more than $1.4 million for cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.
“Words can’t adequately express how grateful we are for the Cattlemen’s Ball,” said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. “What an incredible event. It is just amazing how much work goes into the ball and how many people volunteer their time and talents to make it work. It is one of those events you have to see to believe.”
The annual Cattlemen’s Ball showcases rural Nebraska and promotes the beef industry to encourage healthy eating.
This year’s theme is the “Red, White & Blue River Ball” as it will be held on 96 picturesque acres of Riverside Park, a former Methodist church camp. The property is on a peninsula of the Blue River, adjacent to Dickinson’s feedlot. Dickinson purchased the land five years ago.
“This is a perfect location for the ball,” Dickinson said. “And I can’t think of anything better to do with this space than use it to raise money for cancer research.”
More than 400 volunteers have been working on 12 standing committees for the past 14 months to organize this one-day event. Dickinson’s daughter-in-law, Molly, is in charge of the grounds and evening entertainment committees.
The amount of organization required to put on this event is overwhelming. But, Molly has been on top of arrangements from the beginning – figuring out everything from how much ice is needed and where to position the port-a-potties, to recruiting volunteers and gathering donations.
“This has been an unbelievable experience,” she said. “The volunteers have been awesome. They’ve really worked together to make this a great event.”
Phil Vassar, a contemporary country singer who made his name as a chart-topping songwriter before landing a record deal in 2000, will provide the headline entertainment. Vassar has written Top 10 hits for Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw and Jo Dee Messina. Vassar’s own hit songs include “Just Another Day in Paradise” and “Carlene.”
Vassar’s performance will follow an auction with a variety of unique items, including a video spot donated by Nashville video director, Shawn Silva. Additional activities throughout the day include an antique tractor show, virtual hunting, cattle displays, meadow muffin drop, mechanical bull, a style show and art show.
A limited number of Top Hand ($65) tickets remain for this year’s event. Top Hand ticket holders may attend the Saturday afternoon and evening activities beginning at 1 p.m. Trail Boss tickets are sold out. For tickets or information, call 1-888-562-3602 or visit the Web site at www.cattlemensball.com.