The 2008 Cattlemen’s Ball was one for the record books.
A sellout crowd of nearly 4,000 people gathered June 6-7 at the Niewohner Cattle Company near Albion, Neb. They raised a record $796,000, with nearly 90 percent of the money going toward cancer research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Eppley Cancer Center and the remaining funds staying in Albion and surrounding communities to benefit health-related organizations.
The Eppley Cancer Center received $697,000, which exceeds the previous all-time high by more than $100,000. This year’s record proceeds bring the total amount of money raised over the past 11 years to more than $3.2 million.
The general chairmen for the 2008 Cattlemen’s Ball and the Niewohner family presented the check to Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, at a reception in Albion on Wednesday.
"It’s impossible to put into words how grateful we are for this incredible support," Dr. Cowan said. "Everyone associated with this year’s ball deserves to take a bow. It’s unbelievable how Albion and the surrounding region got behind this event. Obviously, they have raised the bar to a whole new level.
"As the song goes, ‘There is no place like Nebraska.’ The giving spirit in our state is like none other. It’s truly a source of pride for all Nebraskans."
Despite persistent spring rains, nearly 600 volunteers helped produce this year’s ball. The Cattlemen’s Ball is held on a different Nebraska ranch or feedlot every year. Its 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.
Some of the highlights of this year’s ball included a cocktail reception on the evening of June 6 for Trail Boss ticket holders and a champagne brunch on June 7. Other ball activities included live and silent auctions, a casino, wine and cheese tasting, fashion show, working dog demonstration, quilt presentation, and general store. In addition, Diamond Rio, one of the leading country bands in the United States, performed at this year’s ball.
Next year’s Cattlemen’s Ball will be held June 5 and 6 at the Crane Trust in Doniphan, Neb., about 12 miles south of Grand Island.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center will hold another major fund raising event – the Ambassador of Hope Gala – on Oct. 18 at Qwest Center Omaha. Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America” and a breast cancer survivor, will be honored at this year’s gala.
Tickets for the Ambassador of Hope Gala cost $150 per person. Table sponsorships range from $1,500 to $10,000. For more information, call 402-559-4179 or go to www.nebraskahope.org.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center — a distinction held by only 64 centers in the country. The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated center in the state of Nebraska. The UNMC Eppley 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.
UNMC is the only public health science center in the state. Its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through their 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 centers in cancer, transplantation biology, bioterrorism preparedness, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, biomedical technology and ophthalmology. UNMC’s research funding from external sources now exceeds $82 million annually and has resulted in the creation of more than 2,400 highly skilled jobs in the state. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 513 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.
Cattlemen’s Ball support
A breakdown of money raised for cancer research at past Cattlemen’s Balls:
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
Total – $3,221,250
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
Total – $3,221,250