VALENTINE, Neb. - A nationally recognized rodeo clown and entertainer will bring his story of grit and faith to Valentine this weekend.

John “Lefty” Kee will be the guest speaker at Cowboy Church, held Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Cherry County Fairgrounds. The service begins at 9 a.m.

Kee, who lives in Missouri, has been involved in rodeo nearly his entire life. After getting his start fighting bulls in youth rodeos, he eventually stepped away from the arena to raise a family in Wisconsin. But after his children were grown—two of whom followed in his rodeo footsteps—Kee returned to the sport he loves.

His comeback was marked by incredible perseverance. Kee lost his entire left arm in a serious tractor accident but refused to give up his passion for entertaining. That’s when the name “Lefty” stuck.

The service is open to the public. All offerings from the event will support Cherry County Hospital’s new diabetic awareness program aimed at helping local communities.