The first-ever Cattlemen’s Ball, Nebraska’s biggest
country western party of the year, will be held June 6 at the
Graff/Snover Ranch near Ainsworth. Proceeds from the event, which
is expected to draw 3,000 people from throughout the state, will
go toward cancer research at the University of Nebraska Medical
Center’s Eppley Cancer Center.
The feature entertainment for this year’s event will be
provided by country western singer Joe Diffie. Active in numerous
charitable causes, Diffie recently received the Humanitarian of
the Year Award from the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. His hit
songs include "Pickup Man," "So Help Me Girl"
and "Bigger than the Beatles."
Other activities slated for this year’s ball include hot
air balloon rides, a style show, skeet shooting, live and silent
auctions, an art show, a ranch rodeo, live music and dancing, a
golf tournament, and a general store featuring Nebraska and
Sandhills products.
Sheryl Graff, who owns the Graff/Snover Ranch, said she is
excited to be hosting this year’s ball. "There’s
going to be something for everyone. It’s a guaranteed good
time," she said. "But, most important, it’s a
perfect opportunity to raise money for cancer research. I think
just about every family has been touched by cancer at some time.
By supporting the Cattlemen’s Ball, we can all do something
to support research that can make a difference."
Graff, whose husband, Stan, died of leukemia in 1985 at the
age of 41, said all of the money raised will stay in Nebraska
with 90 percent of the proceeds going toward ground floor
research projects at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. The remaining
10 percent of proceeds will be used to help purchase medical
equipment for the Ainsworth community.
The ball will be held annually at a western Nebraska ranch.
This year’s theme will be "Windmills Against the
Sandhills Sky." The Graff/Snover ranch has 14,000 acres and
is located four miles southeast of Ainsworth.
"The idea behind the ball is to showcase rural Nebraska
while promoting beef and a healthy diet," Graff said.
"The ranch is located 142 miles from the nearest shopping
mall. It provides a setting that allows people to come to the
Sandhills and see Nebraska as it really was."
Preparations already are underway at the Graff/Snover ranch,
and many tasks still need to be done, including putting in a
well, getting electrical power run into the site, and pouring
concrete in the dance area, Graff said. A windmill and well will
be located at the center of the ball site.
Jodi and Craig Haythorn of the Haythorn Land and Cattle Co. in
Arthur, Neb., have agreed to be caterers and provide the meals
for this year’s event.
Tickets are on sale through the First National Bank of
Ainsworth. Of the 3,000 tickets available, 2,500 will be sold at
the $50 Top Hand level, while 500 will be sold at the $500 Trail
Boss level. Several different participation levels are available
for individuals or groups. For ticket information, call (800)
407-9341 or (402) 387-1842.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute
designated cancer center — a distinction held by only 55 centers
in the country. Of the $27.2 million in research grants and
contracts awarded to UNMC in 1996-97, Eppley researchers
generated more than $8 million.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the
state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient
care, UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading
centers for cancer research and treatment and solid organ
transplantation.UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for
training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than
any other institution.