August 25, 2004
Cattle Baron's Ball benefits Cancer Society
Third annual fund-raiser features mechanical bull riding, cow milking and equestrian show
By
Herald staff writer
Party-goers had a chance to kick up their heels - Western style - at the American Cancer Society's Cattle Baron's Ball at Ranch Rudolf on Saturday.
The third annual fund-raiser, benefiting the American Cancer Society's Northwest Michigan Chapter, combined mechanical bull riding, cow milking and performances by the Blazing Saddles Equestrian Show with a live auction, music and catered dinner .
But the evening didn't come together without a great deal of commitment from local volunteers.
"We have some great people who really work hard to pull off this evening," said American Cancer Society area executive director Bob Burian.
"We appreciate the work they do every single day, with the goal to ultimately help people with cancer. I get kind of teary when I think about all of the commitment that we get from volunteers. It is unreal the way they step up to volunteer," said Burian, noting that last year's event raised more than $100,000 for the local chapter.
Once such committed volunteer, Ken Roskoski of Manistee, takes his volunteering personally.
"I got into volunteering after my wife died. I am a survivor of stomach cancer, myself. Volunteering for the Cancer Society just seemed like the right thing to do. You can't hardly find anyone who hasn't been touched by the disease," said Roskoski who spent the evening selling raffle tickets.
The evening was also about remembering those that have lost their fight and honoring survivors.
"The Trail of Tribute is a pretty somber area, but that is what this is all about," said coordinator Barb Matlin.
Red roses representing disease survivors and luminaries lit in memory of loved ones, lined the trail along the Boardman River.
For the first time this year, a "Walk of Heroes" was added as a way to honor a group that plays an important role in the life of those dealing with cancer. Employees of Munson Medical Center's oncology unit were given a sunflower pin to wear during the ball, signifying their noteworthy contribution.