For anyone not sure why we Texans are such a proud bunch, I would suggest attending the Cattle Baron’s Ball, an annual event for the American Cancer Society. The boot-scootin', money-raisin' good time perfectly captures the essence of the Lone Star State.
Sparkling chandeliers hang from red swaths of luxe fabric, while cowboy boot-clad guests stroll across hard-packed dirt floors of the massive barn at the George Ranch Historical Park. Tex-Mex sits beautifully alongside elegant Italian dishes and Bud Light and pinot noir are ideal bar mates. It’s a rollicking party and an outpouring of generosity.
The Deep In the Heart of Texas ball embraced the very best of Texas, raising a record-breaking $3 million for the American Cancer Society. VICTORY chairs Becky Joy and JoLynelle Farina celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Cattle Baron’s Ball in grand style, welcoming 1,500 guests for a night of dining, drinking, gaming and a massive auction.
Oh, and pig races. One of the evening’s most popular events drew crowds only too happy to bet on their favorite little porker, all for a good cause.
The mission of the night wasn’t lost on the guests. The live auction included front row seats to a Victoria’s Secret fashion show and a signed Taylor Swift guitar, but the auction item that garnered the most attention for the fight against cancer was the “Sometimes the Smallest Hands Hold the Biggest Message” quilt, hand-stitched and designed by award-winning quilter Judy Palmer. The beautifully crafted quilt initially went for an astounding $80,000 and was resold for an additional $50,000, drawing massive applause from the crowd.
The dance floor was a swirl of Wranglers and boots, feathered skirts and cowboy hats when CMA award-winning artist Mark Chesnutt took to the stage with his hit "Bubba Shot the Jukebox." The dancing continued deep into the night. Matt Caldwell, Brant Croucher and Lainey Balagia entertained the crowd before the concert, providing just the right soundtrack for the ball.
Tony’s Catering wowed the palate with everything from Tony’s famous chili to braised short ribs to parmesan risotto and a quesadilla station.
KHOU’s Chita Johnson kept the night rolling as emcee. The ball honored Judi and Jack Johnson and the David and Eula Winterman Foundation.
Two-stepping through the night were Victory president Dee Darby, Kelly Joy, Matt Farina, Jackie and Monty Eubank, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Allison and Adam Flikerski, Lauren and Ward Maloy, Jo Ann Petersen, Gigi and Russell Harbison, Susan and Don Sinclair, Mindy and Travis Bryan, Sandy and Dr. William Bryan, Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux, Price DuBose and Raine and Alan Falik.
Cattle Baron's Ball chairs Becky Joy, left, and JoLynelle Farina.
