The North Dakota Stockmen's Foundation (NDSF) raised more than $55,000 for beef industry scholarship, leadership, research, promotion and building projects and disaster relief in a night of western elegance at the 2015 Stockmen's Ball Dec. 12 at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck, N.D.
“We are grateful for all of those who supported the Foundation during this year's Stockmen's Ball,” said Towner, N.D., rancher Jason Zahn, who serves as the NDSF president. “The support from sponsors, donors, auction bidders and buyers and all those in attendance allows us to continue the Foundation's work to promote the beef industry in North Dakota.”
Major sponsors included Sanford Health-West; Dakota Community Bank & Trust; Advanced Agri-Direct; Farm & Ranch Guide; Bank of North Dakota; McDonald's Badlands Co-op; Kupper Chevrolet; Stockmen's Livestock Exchange; Pahlke Steel; and Valley Plains Equipment.
The night began with a social and music from Eric Seamands and Tiffany Krinke. Radio personality and Rhame, N.D., rancher Scott Bachmeier served as the Ball emcee. He led a program honoring those who helped pave the way for today's beef industry, including Harry Anderson, Towner, N.D.; John Haider, Solen, N.D.; Cody Hansen, Ryder, N.D.; Duane Marsh, Dickinson, N.D.; Stan Melroe, Gwinner, N.D.; and Richard M. Tokach, Mandan, N.D, who where honored with commemorative photographs in the Stockmen's Memorial Hall over the last two years.
The 2010 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer Kyle Shobe of Lewistown, Mont., called a lively fundraiser auction with lots ranging from handcrafted western furniture and an 8-foot-by-24-foot calf shelter to a National Finals Rodeo package and an engraved Henry Golden Boy lever-action rifle.
This year's silent auction featured 86 unique items, including a vintage bound volume of the North Dakota Stockman, original artwork, autographed books by North-Dakota-Stockmen's-Association-member authors and other gifts.
After a prime rib supper, Kyle Shobe turned his chants into melodies as he and the rest of his band, The Walk 'Em Boys, took the stage. Couples danced to the band's original music, as well as that from other popular country and rock artists.
“The Ball marked a great opportunity to socialize with fellow producers and industry leaders,” Zahn said. “Thanks to all of those who attended and supported the event. Your support is a strong investment in the future of North Dakota's cattle industry.”
North Dakota Stockmen's Association members established the NDSF in 2008 to leave a legacy in the beef industry for their children and grandchildren. The NDSF is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, which means that most contributions are tax-deductiblefor donors. The NDSF has already made significant contributions to the beef industry in its early years. It has distributed scholarships to college students studying for beef industry and related careers; helped bring more than $250,000 in direct relief to producers who were devastated by natural disasters; helped provide funding for the development of curriculum to help farmers and ranchers with succession plans and generational transfers; and established a research fund to support innovation in the beef business, among other achievements.
For more information on the NDSF, click here.
Source: North Dakota Stockmen's Foundation
