Cattle Baron’s Ball to Help ‘Lasso A Cure’
American Cancer Society fundraiser returns to Southfork Ranch
Cattle Baron’s Ball will return to Southfork Ranch after nearly 10 years to help “lasso a cure” with a “ranches, rubies, and ropers”-themed party that organizers say will have “more glitter than dirt” despite the outdoor location.
“So, it’s going to be very sparkly,” chair Nancy Gopez said, crediting the plans of designer Kate Fishel with Fauxcades.
Since 1974, Cattle Baron’s Ball has raised more than $89 million for cancer research and is the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The event has been held at various area ranches throughout its 49-year history and at Gilley’s Dallas since 2013.
Gopez and co-chair Kris Johnson wanted to rekindle the “magic” of Cattle Baron’s Ball events past by bringing the festivities back outside. It was moved up to Sept. 17 this year in hopes of avoiding rain.
“Although we do have a great rain plan if that is the case,” Johnson promised. “Nancy and I both just remember how special and magical it is to be out underneath the stars and have everyone together that we felt we could take it back there.”
This year, the VIP and live auction will be outside on the ranch, the main stage will be under a tent, and the silent auction will be inside the Southfork Ranch Event and Conference Center.
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Gopez said there will also be a carousel, mechanical bull, and they “may even have some fireworks.”
“There’s a lot of surprises, a lot of fun elements just that being outside, we can do. It is going to be different than when we were (at Southfork Ranch) before,” she added. “We’re going to be able to utilize the Ewing mansion for the VIP party and the live auction, and then also there’s a big photo booth out there. … There’s food, there are bars — a lot of things going on that will be in that area.”
