Cattleman's Ball

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Each year I attend the Cattleman's Ball of Nebraska. It is one of my favorite events because it celebrates Nebraska beef as part of a healthy diet, showcases rural Nebraska and raises money for cancer research.

Formed in 1997 by a group of beef industry leaders, the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska has become one of the nation's most successful cancer fundraisers with more than $9 million raised since inception.

This year's ball is being held June 6-7 at the Hoot Owl Ranch located between Harrisburg and Kimball in Banner County. The Hoot Owl Ranch is a cow-calf operation that includes registered black angus bulls. The theme of this year's ball is Coral a Cure of Cancer.

Each year, host families are chosen to provide leadership of the Cattlemen's Ball. This year's host families are owners, Jeff and Kathy May and ranch managers, Kenny and Misty Stauffer. These ranchers are passionate about the promotion of the beef industry and raising money for cancer research.

In an effort to educate and raise awareness, there are two new exhibits. The first is a separate tent dedicated to exhibits regarding beef production. Different ranches will provide a variety of displays including how different breeds of cattle relate to consumers. Another new feature will be an educational cancer screening opportunity provided by the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

The Cattlemen's Ball dedicates itself to the promise of providing funds to benefit cancer research and this year 90 percent of the proceeds raised will go to the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The other 10 percent is used to help with medical needs in the communities that helped organize the event.

One of the ways they raise funds is by utilizing the Serenity Garden. This is a quiet place to rest and is provided for those who have fought the war against cancer and continue to fight each day. A participant is invited to add names to the memory book and to purchase a custom personalized garden sign. With a $150 donation, the sign can be taken home to display in a garden.

Other opportunities include buying raffle tickets for a chance to win a 2014 Ram 1500 3.0L Ecodiesel V6 Pickup or by participating in a silent, a live auction or by making online donations.

I look forward to spending an evening with Nebraska farmers and ranchers at the 2014 Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska. For more information, visit their website at cattlemensball.com.