Rob Giardinelli
“Lone Star Legends” Theme Brings Hog-Wild Fun In $1.5 Million Night
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By Daniel Ortiz, Wilson Parish and Jacob Power
THE SCENE: The Hilton Americas Houston was the setting for one of Space City’s most fun and anticipated signature fundraising events. Several hundred of the area’s top medical leaders, music lovers, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for the 38th Annual Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball. Benefiting the American Cancer Society, the night featured great fun and show-stopping musical performances that had guests talking long after the event concluded.
THE VIBE: The Texas-chic crowd donned their favorite Texas-themed attire as a nod to the evening’s Lone Star Legends-themed event. In the crowd, one could spot many cowboy hats, which complemented an array of high-end ranch wear, including fringe, rhinestones, denim, animal prints, and bold colors, seamlessly blending to create a rich, fun tapestry in the room.
Kicking off the festivities was a lively cocktail hour where patrons sipped on their favorite spirits and mingled. During the cocktail reception, revelers could be seen perusing and previewing an impressive lot of live and silent auction items as well as placing bets on the legendary pig races for prizes. Additionally, others could be seen participating in the “Wine, Whiskey, and Spirits Pull” with many opening their winning libations and enjoying them with friends and tablemates as they proceeded to the next part of the evening.
Once patrons took to their seats for the evening’s main program, they enjoyed a delectable, multi-course meal. As they enjoyed their meals, KHOU’s Chita Craft and Ilona Carson, along with 93Q Morning host Katelyn Maida, served as event emcees, keeping the festivities flowing at a brisk pace throughout the night. This included words from event and organization leaders and moving testimonials that left the room inspired to give.
Next came a fun round of “Heads or Tails,” with a lucky winner receiving a fabulous and luxurious prize. A spirited live auction followed, where the paddles and fundraising soared as partygoers bid on an array of luxury items and experiences, with a 2025 GMC Hummer EV Pickup and a trip to Nashville for the CMA Awards emerging as the most popular among guests.
The program concluded with an epic performance by Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee and Texas Legend Tanya Tucker, who belted out many of her iconic tunes to the adoring crowd. Once the program concluded, the fun continued well into the night as revelers enjoyed casino games and gathered with friends to cap off an unforgettable night for one of the city’s most beloved fundraising events.
THE NON-PROFIT: The Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball, co-chaired by Laural Bashaw, Debbie Hance, and Robin Klaes, raised over $1.5 million for the American Cancer Society. The proceeds raised from the event will support programs aimed at the organization’s mission through advocacy, research, and patient support.
