It’s akin to savoring Southern deviled eggs and pimento cheese before diving into a hefty smoked brisket platter with all the fixings. In Houston, there’s a tradition of enjoying an amuse-bouche gathering before the main social event. This practice continues with the 2024 American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball Kick-Off, held at The Rustic Downtown on Tuesday, May 14.
This appetizer fête attracted more than 400 dynamic ladies and gents, joining kickoff chairs Kristen Cannon and Whitney Lawson, along with ball chairs Janette Marx, Robin Klaes, and Stephen Toups. The record-breaking entourage learned something new about the upcoming fundraiser on September 14 — the date of the actual Cattle Baron’s Ball themed “Neon Lights and Bayou Nights.” Country music star Easton Corbin and Texan singer-songwriter Roger Creager will headline this year’s entertainment, a perfect combination as the 37th edition of the soirée moves to its new home at the Hilton Americas.
Emcee Lo Sessions of 93Q and music by the Blake Harlow Band kept the energy high, while guests enjoyed a jewelry pull, armadillo races, and an auction filled with donations from local stores and VIPs. Samantha Lombardo of event sponsor Occidental Petroleum Corp., known as Oxy, highlighted the company’s alignment with the nonprofit’s mission to support thriving and healthy local communities.
Among the attendees were Jenny Todd, Marilu Garza, Tiffany Halik, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Alicia Jansen, Danny Klaes, Sandra Porter, Shelley Ludwick, Jayne Johnston, Angela Hernandez, Kittsie Klaes Hance and Davis Hance, Leila Perrin, Jody Merritt, Andrea Simmons, Elia Gabbanelli, Yanette Carmona, Sonia Soto, Chree Boydstun, Tripp Carter, Lara Bell, Heidi Rockecharlie, Cyndy Garza-Roberts, Janette Masten-Gardner, Suzanne Stiles, Katie Tsuru, Derek Shore, Patti and Don Murphy, and Matt Todd.
Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Jen Torres, Yanett Carmona, and Elia Gabbanelli.
