The Ranch Steakhouse in Oklahoma City recently hosted a private dinner party in conjunction with the Ford American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show to raise $8,780 for Rein in Cancer.

“For three years now, the Rein in Cancer benefit at the Ranch Steakhouse has grown and continues to raise money for the nutritional support of our families and friends with cancer,” said Event Chair Kerry Papendick. Her daughter, Ali, competed at Youth World Show and her husband, Lew, is an orthopedic surgeon in their home of Rapid City, South Dakota.

This year, more than 73 guests attended the special event, which included a four-course dinner and beverages. There was also outstanding musical entertainment provided by Ken Murray, assistant trainer at High Point Performance Horses in Pilot Point, Texas, western entertainer Devon Dawson and his band, and AQHA judge and trainer Don Bell of Whitesboro, Texas.

In its third year, the event has raised more than $20,000 to support the work of the Shirley Bowman Nutritional Clinic at the University of Oklahoma Cancer Institute.

“Many cancer patients cannot fight their battle when malnourished,” Papendick said. “Thank you to all who came to the dinner. With your donations, you have provided months of nutritional support to many cancer patients.”

The clinic was established with help from Rein in Cancer and by family and friends in honor of the memory of Shirley Bowman, who died in 2004 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Shirley’s sister, “Shorty” Koger, owner of Shorty’s Caboy Hattery in Oklahoma City, was the driving force in encouraging support for the nutrition program at the OUCI.

“This special event just keeps getting better and better. Each year we struggle to think of ways to top the year before and somehow the entertainment comes through” said Koger, a co-founder of Rein in Cancer. “This year’s event was just great and we truly appreciate everyone coming out and supporting our cause.”

An equine-industry group, Rein in Cancer was created by Koger, Cheryl Magoteaux, and Tracie Anderson of the OU Cancer Institute in 2007 to recognize the willingness of the horse community to help with the fight against cancer. It has raised thousands upon thousands of dollars to support care for cancer patients, help fund treatment and contribute to the Shirley Bowman wing at the OU Cancer Institute in Oklahoma City. For information on Rein in Cancer, visit the web site at www.reinincancer.com.