Neon? Nifty. For The Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball “Neon Nights” Gala

Event Raises $1.6 Million For American Cancer Society In Touching Tribute-Laden Evening

By Jennifer Roosth   Photography by Wilson Parish, Daniel Ortiz, Jacob Power

THE SCENE: Over 800 attendees sparkled and shined in the massive fourth-floor ballroom of The Hilton Americas for the 37th Annual American Cancer Society Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball, presented by Texas Oncology. The “Neon Lights & Bayou Nights” colorful theme made for a huge fundraising success. The evening program was emceed by Chita Craft, Ron Trevino, and 93Q’s Riggs. Throughout the evening, guests grazed on a variety of Texas-themed cuisine, placed their bets at the pig races, a long-standing Cattle Baron’s Ball tradition, sipped bourbon drinks from WhistlePig, grabbed bottles from the “Wine, Whiskey, and Spirits Pull,” donned hats from The Hat Chick, purchased tickets for five amazing sweepstakes packages, and bid on incredible auction items.

Then, the live auction had the paddles flying high to secure an item, including not one but two 2024 GMC Hummer EVs, donated by Beck & Masten Buick GMC, each selling for $130,000, bringing the crowd to their feet for a standing ovation. Entertainment included Demola and his electric violin, country music’s Easton Corbin, and Texas country superstar Roger Creager.

THE VIBE: But perhaps the most touching moment came when 20-year-old Abbigail Gauna shared her cancer journey on the big screen to kick off a very special paddle raise benefiting the American Cancer Society Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge, where she has been since May at no cost during her treatment in Houston. Also, honorees were recognized for their continued work and support of the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

They included Community Honoree: the Tsuru Family, Corporate Honoree: Oxy, and Medical Honoree: Legion Healthcare Partners. Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, chair of the American Cancer Society Houston Area Board of Directors and cancer survivor, also shared her personal story. Proceeds from the event help fund the American Cancer Society’s mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

THE NON-PROFIT: Chaired by community volunteer Robin Klaes, Airswift CEO Janette Marx, and Turner Industries CEO Stephen M. Toups, more than $1.6 million was raised in support of the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. The entire volunteer committee of more than 80 joined in to be a part of the goal-shattering evening.