Saddle Up

Dallas cowpokes lasso funds at Southfork Ranch for 2022 Cattle Baron's Ball

It may have only been the 49th, and not the momentous 50th, anniversary of Cattle Baron’s Ball, but that didn't stop Dallas' biggest party from going all out at a new venue.

The ball got back to its roots this year at popular Big D landmark Southfork Ranch, the filming site of the iconic TV show Dallas. From its debut in 1974 to 2013, CBB was held at several well-known North Texas ranches. For the past few years, it's been at Gilley's Dallas.

Ball chairs Nancy Gopez and Kris Johnson chose the theme “Lasso A Cure” for the big American Cancer Society fundraiser, with Texas Oncology returning as the presenting sponsor for the second year.

Guests arrived to saddled-up cowboys and the Rangerettes drill team, before entering literally acres of fun and fundraising.

VIPs gathered on the ranch — and next to a corral of miniature horses! — for a private party presented by Anne Davidson, while multi-platinum singer Chris Young serenaded them. Later, the live auction and after-party featuring Emerald City All Stars took place on the same stage.

Casino games, an extensive silent auction, and the Scotch and Sports Lounge (remember, college football was happening that night) took place inside the Southfork Ranch Event and Conference Center. A mechanical bull also tempted cowboy boot-clad guests to try their luck.

Buffet after buffet of Tex-Mex favorites, barbecue, fair-inspired snacks, and sweets awaited hungry patrons. Those who didn't over-indulge on the food hopped onto the lighted carousel for a few nostalgic spins, or posed at the many photo booths scattered around the property.

Finally it was time to head inside the big tent for the headliner, superstar country band Old Dominion. Known for hits like "One Man Band," "Never Be Sorry, and "I Was On a Boat," the group had everyone on their feet for a high-energy concert.

Those spotted in the crowd, having a great time, included Bowie Wynne, Mary Lare, Kensi Olson, Vince Manna, Hannah Wing, Bethany Brown, Steve Lange, Donishea Martinez, Teresa Riddell, Scott Riddell, Sharon Lee Clark, Lara Francis, Abby Gallivan, Ashley Cole, Elizabeth Wisdom, Kyle Wisdom, Mary Parker, Christian Livesay, Samantha Wortley, Leigh Burns, Sarah Groves, Christine Leatherberry, Jon Leatherberry, Lisa Ogle, Alana Stewart, Kathy James, Amanda Calongne, Kevin Calongne, Corky Nix, Jonika Nix, Alex Noff Singer, Brook Singer, Gina Garcia, Robert Garcia, Olivia Lafield, Whitney Ball, Annabell Garces, Cam Holl, Gale Fischer, Steven Solomon, and many more.

Cattle Baron’s Ball is the premier fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in North Texas, and has raised more than $89 million since its inception in 1974. The ball is the largest single-night fundraising event for cancer research in the world.

$Cattle Baron\u2019s Ball 2022$

Photo by Ashley Gongora

Bowie Wynne, Mary Lare, Kensi Olson, Vince Manna, Hannah Wing

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Gala preview

Dallas' most glam fall gala to honor Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron

Universal Pictures Presents "The Odyssey" Paris Premiere

Photo by Pierre Mouton/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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Hollywood star Charlize Theron will be the guest of honor at one of Dallas' hottest-ticket galas of 2026: She will receive amfAR's Award of Inspiration at the organization's black-tie ball on October 24.

For a second year, the glamorous fall fundraiser will take place at the home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby, a release says. Taking over where Dallas' TWO x TWO gala left off when it ended in 2024, the amFAR gala has quickly become one of Dallas' marquee social events, drawing philanthropists, collectors, and high-profile guests in support of amfAR's mission to end HIV/AIDS.

Theron, who won an Oscar for Monster, is currently on a worldwide press tour ahead of her starring role in one of the summer's biggest movies, The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of the Homer epic (opening July 17).

Beyond her film career, Theron serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which supports organizations focused on youth health, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and combating gender-based violence across Southern Africa.

"Charlize Theron’s longstanding support of amfAR and HIV/AIDS care and prevention through her own foundation make her an inspiration to us all," said amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford in a statement. "We are grateful to her for her tireless work and are thrilled to be able to recognize her at our event in Dallas this year."

According to amfAR, programs supported by CTAOP have reached more than 4.8 million young people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theron and the foundation also launched the Together for Her campaign with CARE and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to address gender-based violence, and later partnered with the Ford Foundation to advocate for global vaccine equity.

Founded in 1985, amfAR has invested more than $950 million in research grants supporting HIV/AIDS and other diseases in which viruses and the immune system play a significant role. Over the past 26 years, supporters in North Texas have raised more than $66.5 million to advance amFAR's ongoing HIV research and global health initiatives, the organization says.

This year's gala will feature cocktails, a seated dinner, musical performances, and a live auction offering luxury goods, travel experiences, and contemporary art. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available, starting at $2,500.

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