Ford Tough Benefit to commence Saturday

The Ford Ekhoff ‘Ford Tough’ Benefit will take place inside the Commercial Building at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m.
Organized by co-event organizers, Sara Umstead and Jeff Gravert, donations will go towards helping Ekhoff as he makes progress in his rehabilitation.
The benefit will include a free will meal, sponsored by Aurora Meat Block, Winfield Sweets N’ Eats, as well as a cash bar for supporters to enjoy.
A live auction will take place at 6:30 p.m., with supporters being able to participate in the silent auction until 8 p.m.
Music will feature the southern rock band, The Wicked, along with a live fiddle performance.
For those who are unable to attend the event and wish to donate can also donate to Keith Brown’s Venmo account at @Keith-Brown-848.
“Cornerstone Bank has an account set up available at any location. Just mention Ford Ekhoff Benefit,” Umstead said. “A Venmo account that is directly linked to the Cornerstone Bank account has been established for this event. The Venmo does have Keith Brown’s name on it, but he graciously set it up for benefit use only.”
Ford Ekhoff is a 2020 Aurora grad previously active in Hamilton County 4-H, Aurora FFA and the Merrick County 4-H Trap Team and is now a welder at Case New Holland. Ekhoff is described as “an avid outdoorsman, amateur pro bass fisherman, passionate hunter and a karaoke fan.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Ekhoff suffered an accidental gunshot accident, having experienced extreme trauma to his right hand and leg. Ekhoff was airlifted to Kearney Regional, where he received immediate treatment, then was airlifted to Bergen Mercy Hospital in Omaha.  
Ekhoff has undergone multiple surgeries, including an operation that removed his right leg above the knee. After spending 47 days in the hospital, he moved to the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln and was able to return home on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
“The toughest part is the healing and that just takes time, which for an active guy like Rod is super difficult,” Umstead said. “Due to an above the knee amputation on the right leg, crutches or a wheelchair are his main conveyances for now. But after more healing time, there are plans for a prosthetic to help him regain an active life.”
Ekhoff’s mother, Renee, expressed gratitude to the community for helping her son and their family as he continues to make progress in his recovery journey.
“The road ahead of Ford is long, but he meets every challenge with determination, grit and the strength of the community that stands behind him,” she said. “His family, friends and supporters rally around him with unwavering loyalty and love. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.”
For more information, contact Umstead or Gravert at (308) 940-0255 or by visiting the Ford Ekhoff “Ford Tough” Benefit Facebook event page.