A ‘Star Spangled’ Cattle Baron’s Ball

The origin of the Cattle Baron’s Ball dates back to 1974 when the American Cancer Society (ACS) first held the fundraiser at the Star Brand Ranch in Dallas, Texas. A country and western themed event that included musical performances as well as auctions helped the ACS raise funds for cancer research and services. The instant success grew throughout other parts of the state including Beaumont, which hosted their first ball in 1989.

Now entering its 34th year, the Southeast Texas Cattle Baron’s Ball returns Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Beaumont Civic Center. Since the ball will fall on Veteran’s Day, “Star Spangled Night” will combine the spirit of the West and a tribute to local veterans and their service to the country.

“We enthusiastically welcome donors back to this marquee event to continue the tradition of excellence everyone has come to love at Cattle Baron’s Ball,” said event chairs Shelly and Carl Vitanza. “Our committee is busy coordinating an amazing evening. Our one-of-a-kind menu never disappoints, and our musical headliner, The Frontmen will absolutely ʻwowʼ the audience. What’s more, Cattle Baron’s Ball offers something to see and do at every turn. Live and silent auction items, an impressive $10,000 gift card raffle, chance drawings and much more. Guests are guaranteed a wonderful evening.”

For those who don’t know, The Frontmen features the dynamic voices of 1990’s country music legends – Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Larry Stewart (of Restless Heart) and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas). The trio has collectively sold over 30 million records and had over 30 major hits between them and will perform all their popular classics including Restless Heart’s “The Bluest Eyes in Texas,” “That Rock Won’t Roll,” “I’ll Still Be Loving You” and “Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right).” Lonestar smash hits “Amazed,” “Smile,” and “I’m Already There” will be heard, plus Little Texas hits “God Blessed Texas,” “Amy’s Back in Austin,” and “What Might Have Been.”

This year’s honorees are Mike and Katherine Williams, owners of Longhorn Liquor – a 12-store chain with locations ranging from Lake Sam Rayburn to southern Jefferson County. After attending their first Cattle Baron’s Ball several years ago, they recognized the importance of the cause. “Cattle Baron’s Ball is a fun evening for a wonderful cause,” said Katherine Williams. “It is always so well planned and executed and has something for everyone. It makes being involved with and supporting the American Cancer Society a ‘no brainer’ for us.”

Table Baron sponsorships start at $3,500 and can be reserved online at setxcattlebaronsball.com.

Records were set in 2022 as the Southeast Texas community demonstrated an outpouring of support for the American Cancer Society’s mission, raising an unprecedented $710,000. D

ollars raised at Cattle Baron’s Ball will fund life-saving cancer research and provide free local services like rides to and from treatment, overnight lodging, and online cancer specialists who can answer questions and guide the patient/ caregivers in an eight-county region – Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Liberty, Jasper, Newton and Polk counties.

Through generous donations, the ACS is currently funding 52 grants in Texas totaling more than $37 million and has awarded $135,000 to Jefferson County Cancer Centers in the past five years through patient transportation grant program. These dollars allow local cancer centers to financially assist in access to care needs for patients traveling to and from treatment.

A lodging program was also implemented in 2022 and funds are being awarded to local cancer centers for a free place to stay during treatment in the Southeast Texas area including the Albert E. and Gena Reaud Guest House and the Anayat House while more than 3,000 rides were provided to Southeast Texas patients last year by the ACS. Through the New Orleans and Houston Hope Lodge facilities alone, the Society provided over 1,300 free nights of lodging to patients from Southeast Texas last year, saving these families over $260,000 in lodging expenses.

 “Cattle Baron’s Ball has grown into one of the premier events in Southeast Texas,” said Kathy Chesser, Sr. Community Development Mgr. II for the ACS. “To say I am incredibly proud of the outstanding milestones our committee has been able to achieve (just in the last 12 years alone) would be an understatement. We have set records for the income raised each of those years, and that simply translates into more cancer patients benefiting from services than ever before. For me, that’s what it all boils down to.”

The American Cancer Society has invested more than $5 billion in research since 1946. They fund and conduct research to discover how people can take steps to reduce their cancer risk and provide information on the causes of cancer – from environment to lifestyle choices to genetics, and more. Cancer screenings, early detection, access to care, patient and caregiver services and survivorship.

To learn more about the ACS, visit cancer.org