Rob Giardinelli
Benefiting The American Cancer Society, The 51st Annual Gala Sets Fundraising Record, Eclipses The $100 Million All-Time Mark
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
THE SCENE: The legendary Southfork Ranch in Dallas was the setting for one of Texas’ most anticipated, storied, and successful annual fundraisers. Over 3,000 community leaders, medical advocates, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for the 51st annual Cattle Baron’s Ball. Benefiting the American Cancer Society, the night’s theme, New Horizons, kicked off the second half century of this beloved event which resulted in a night of showstopping performances and an epic fundraising hall that patrons fortunate enough to attend will remember for years to come.
and Lora Farris
and Madison Strode
THE VIBE: The Texas-chic crowd had patrons donning an array of denim cowboy hats, rhinestones, and diamonds, creating a festive welcoming environment for all who attended. The night began as revelers posed for images in front of the legendary Southfork gates underneath a horseshoe Cattle Baron’s Ball sign adorned with flowers, creating the ultimate photo op…and a preview of guests’ amazing experiences throughout the night.
The fun continued with a cocktail hour where partygoers sipped on their favorite spirits and posed for additional images courtesy of several photo moments sponsored by many of Dallas’ top retail brands. Others perused an exquisite silent auction where guests bid on one of over 600 luxury items and experiences, while those who wanted to get a grand view of the expansive Southfork grounds boarded the onsite ferris wheel to take in the view. Select VIPs also had the opportunity to visit the VIP Party against the backdrop of 90s country tribute band Straight Tequila Night.
Additionally, patrons had the opportunity to purchase tickets for one of Texas’ best annual raffles. In total, five people won an assortment of outstanding raffle items with the top one being a $60,000 credit towards a Park Place Dealership vehicle. Those who wanted to add something to their ensembles immediately found the iconic Marketplace where they could purchase exclusive Cattle Baron’s Ball items from top local retail partners.
and Courtney Derderian
and Nancy Gopez
The action then moved to the tent erected on the Southfork grounds for the main program. Revelers participated in an epic live auction helmed by Letitia Frye that featured over 20 luxury experience packages with some of the most popular including an escape to the Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, The Ultimate Dinner Party with the Best Chefs in Dallas, and a New York Fashion Week VIP experience being among the most popular.
After the auction, came a paddle raise, which wound up fully funding a glioblastoma grant in honor of the late Kace Phillips, who recently succumbed to the disease. After the Paddles Up, The Big Board revealed that the live auction and subsequent paddle raise netted over $2.5 million for the organization, which brought the crowd to their feet.
On a high from a fantastic fundraising feat, guests stayed standing to experience an epic headline performance by legendary country music star Carrie Underwood. Partygoers could be seen singing along to her many iconic hits. The party then continued well into the night with an epic after-party where guests got to nibble on late light bites and dance the night away to the tunes of Manhattan Orchestra.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 51st annual Cattle Baron’s Ball, co-chaired by Lora Farris and Marjon Zabihi Henderson, raised a record-breaking net of over $7.1 million for the American Cancer Society. Funds raised from the event will go towards improving the lives of people with cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support for an illness that touched over 123 million American lives in 2023. The largest single-night fundraiser for ACS each year, Cattle Baron’s Ball has raised over $105 million for the organization since its first event in 1973.
