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.
Photo by Ashley Gongora
Guests tested their skills on the mechanical bull.
