CALF_News_August_September_2021

30 CALF News • August | September 2021 • www.calfnews.net LaRayne Topp Contributing Editor or the past three years, more than 1,700 volunteers have been making plans. In one way or another, from wrap- ping silverware to grooming farmland in the scenic Shell Creek Valley, the volunteers have been prepping for the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska. This year’s Ball, held June 4-5 near Columbus, Neb., attracted more than 4,000 visitors. Since its inception in 1998, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised funds for the cancer center known today as the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha, providing support for cancer research, leading to advances in cancer treatment and prevention. Of the monies raised, 90 percent benefits the Cancer Center, with 10 percent donated back to local commu- nity health and wellness programs. From 1998 to 2019, the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska has raised almost $15 million. The 2021 goal is $2 million. This year’s hosts were Scott and Patricia Mueller, their sons Jordan and Brandon, and their families. Scott has had a hand in many areas of the beef industry over the years, including cow-calf and feedlot operations, cropland, feed sales and com- modity trading. For 20 years, Pat has been running Columbus’ Traditions Inn Restaurant. Like so many, the Muellers have been personally touched by cancer, losing both of Scott’s parents and Pat’s brother-in-law to the disease. They are hopeful that hosting the Cattlemen’s Ball this year will further the fight for a cure. “It’s been a fun project,” Scott explains, “bringing the community together for a common cause. We felt good as it wrapped up, and are excited about the results.” Each year the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska has a different focus, depending upon the interests of its hosts. Sometimes, it’s ranching and horses; other years it’s feedlots. This year, given its location in northeast Nebraska, tractors were included in the mix – antique tractors on display, hayrack rides and several sessions of the Nebraska Bush Pullers tractor pull. Each year, a new feature or two is added. This year, one of those events took place at the Serenity Garden, a place to step away from the hustle of the Ball to a place of tranquility to remember those caught in the cancer struggle. At the custom- made pond bordered with vintage doors and park benches, butterflies were released following a remembrance service. Many other events are those of tradition, such as the annual style show showcasing the latest fashions and worn by cancer survivors. This year, those models were 33 strong. Another familiar listing on the schedule of events were silent and live auctions. Items ranged from bronze statues, Henry Golden Boy rifles and a one-year use of a box scraper, to a four-person hunt donated by a sporting club and a chartered jet trip within a radius of Lincoln, the state’s capital. These events were sandwiched within local wine and craft beer tastings, a 1920s vintage style show, Nebraska Rawhide Runs, line-dance classes, shopping trips to the on-site general store, art displays, prime rib dinners and evening concerts by Tracy Byrd, Eastin Corbin and Side Step. But just as impor- tant were the health services provided. In the past, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has offered formal cancer screenings, although COVID put a temporary hold on that. According to UNMC’s Karie Olnes, UNMC staff handed out sunscreen, UV track- ers, and information regarding sun safety provided by UNMC dermatology. Amy Blaser of Columbus Community Hospital recorded a number of screenings completed by their staff, including bone mineral density screenings; diabetes, blood pressure and vision screenings, and body composition scans. They also gave paraf- fin wax hand dips to soothe aching joints and promote blood circulation. Nebraska AgrAbility and the Nebraska Kidney Association also assisted. The next Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska will be June 3-4, 2022, at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Weeping Water. Hosts will be Mark and Candi Rathe and daughters Brooklyn and Jillian, and Dr. Scott and Karen Lubben and family.  Cattlemen’s Ball Raises Funds for Cancer Research ABOVE: Blue denim britches offered a spot for blooming petunias and a smile for onlookers. RIGHT: Erika Martinez of Columbus Community Hospital takes the blood pressure of 39-year cancer survivor Mark Telecky of Columbus. From 1998 to 2019, the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska has raised almost $15 million.