Elder Care BBQ fundraiser set for May 13 at Hughes Ranch
Just 3.5 miles southwest of downtown Bartlesville on Highway 123 lies a lush 13,000 acres of green meadows and hills. It is the home of the Hughes Ranch.
On May 13, Robert Hughes will open the ranch to the public for Elder Care’s 25th annual “The Good, the Bad and the BBQ.” Activities include live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing, and music.
The ranch, just minutes from downtown Bartlesville on Highway 123, is operated by Robert Hughes, who continues his father’s legacy of land conservation and cattle raising.
John Hughes began managing the family cattle ranching business in 1955 when he left Oklahoma State University and took over the daily management of the Hughes cattle operation. Hughes grew the ranch from 1,800 acres until it covered more than 12,000 acres when it was passed to his son, Robert. The ranch property extends from just southwest of Bartlesville to the northern border of Woolaroc.
Robert Hughes proudly continues his father’s legacy in cattle raising and land conservation. Loving the land is evident when you talk to him about their mission, which embodies the act of preservation and stewardship.
“My father (John Hughes),” Robert said, “was a great mentor who instilled the core belief in me that we are custodians of the land. Our desire is to leave it better than how we found it. We want the next generation to have access to this resource and everything we do is to preserve it for years to come. We partner with the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) and work together for water preservation and protection, and environmental stewardship. We installed paved roads to each pasture, which limits land erosion, and work with the OERB to keep the water clean. Even the 4,200 wild horses who graze the land help with preservation too. They manage the grass!”
Who is next in line to keep the ranch going? Hughes said his son, Sam, is making his mark in the cattle industry and most likely will return to carry on the legacy. “Sam grew up on the ranch and is now Director of Operations with Superior Livestock. He oversees Superior’s operations in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado. It’s great when your kids grow up, learning all they can about the business then come back and use their knowledge and experience to run your family’s ranch. We are proud of Sam.”
Their connection to Elder Care? John and Lorna Hughes were long-time supporters of Elder Care's programs and contributors to Elder Care's capital campaign in 2005. Their support and many others have allowed our programs to expand and reach a wider group of aging adults. Today, their children continue to support Elder Care financially.
Funds raised during this annual event provide essential financial support for Elder Care’s important year-round programs that impact seniors and caregivers in Washington, Nowata, and Osage counties.
Elder Care is the only comprehensive resource center in northeast Oklahoma specializing in all things related to aging in place.
Tickets to attend The Good, The Bad, & The BBQ are $100 per person or $1,000 for a reserved table of 8. Purchase tickets online at AboutElderCare.org/BBQ or by calling 918-336-8500. Proceeds benefit Elder Care. Hughes Ranch is located 3.5 miles southwest of downtown Bartlesville on Highway 123.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Elder Care BBQ fundraiser set for May 13 at Hughes Ranch
