Many people in our area contributed to the Cattlemen’s Ball this past weekend. It was an honor for Cozad to host an event of this size. Even more remarkable was the way people from across Dawson County and the state came together to support such an important cause: cancer research and prevention.
Everywhere I looked, I saw collaboration. Studio 6 and Meridian Taphouse did an amazing job in partnership. The Frontier Frau jumped in the action as well. United by a common goal, they worked with the same excellence they bring to our communities every day.
Some of my favorite moments happened in the Health & Wellness tent where the three Dawson County hospitals joined UNMC and the Buffet Cancer Center to provide valuable cancer screening information. I enjoyed meeting and working alongside staff from each hospital and the Med Center.
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Neighbors from across the region volunteered their time. From the volunteer check-in to token sales, people filled countless roles with generosity and enthusiasm. I’m sure there were many more actors of service happening behind the scenes that I never even saw.
From political dignitaries to Husker coaches, the event clearly had celebrity appeal. Yet I found myself most impressed by our oncologist who drove from Omaha, recognized us while walking through the event, and stopped to visit outside of the clinical setting. Caterers, auctioneers, and vendors traveled from near and far to be part of something meaningful.
When I think about small town, rural Nebraska, I can easily list the things we don’t have. What people don’t always see or understand is the connection, the pride in who we are, and the passion to do good–and do it well.
What we do have is priceless.
This weekend reminded me why Nebraska is called the Good Life. The Cattlemen’s Ball raised money for cancer research, but it also showcased something equally valuable: people coming together for a purpose bigger than themselves.
Barb Beattie, who spent years telling the stories about the people who make this place special, would have been proud. She lost her battle with cancer at the end of last year. This column is written in her memory.