There’s nothing like celebrating the 45th year of anything. Sure, there are those who may dread their actual 45th birthday, but when it comes to 45 years of fundraising to support cancer research and development, it’s a really big deal and deserves an over-the-top occasion to match it.
And leave it to 2018 Cattle Baron’s Ball Co-Chairs Katy Bock and Jonika Nix to kick off the 45th anniversary of the very first Cattle Baron’s fundraiser for the American Cancer Society with glitter and a touch of gems.
CBB committee members Teffy Jacobs and Terra Najork arranged to have the theme-and-talent announcement party on Friday, February 2, at Ruth Ruhl‘s Beverly Drive mansion, and the massive place was filled to its cross-beamed ceilings. Perhaps that explains why the street out front was like Central Expressway during evening drive. An hour into the party, one guest looking out the front window at the circular driveway declared, “The cars just keep coming.”
And those cars brought folks like Lauren Chapman with Francois Bellemare, Nikki and Crayton Webb, Marjon Henderson, Anne Davidson, Mark Porter, Susan and John Farris, Lee Bailey, Doris Jacobs, Lawrence Bock, Angela Nash, Phyllis Cole Spence, Nancy Gopez, Dawn Greiner, the evening’s underwriter the Clay Cooley Auto Group family (Lisa Cooley, Ciara Cooley with Jake Fraze and Bela and Chase Cooley) and past CBB chairs Mary Martha Pickens, KJ Sanger, Mary Parker, Anne Stodghill, Jill Tanabaum, Olivia and Jeff Kearney, Wendy and Boyd Messmann, Katherine Wynne, Tia Wynne and CBB Co-Founder Jacque Wynne.
As huge as Ruth’s great room was, it just wasn’t big enough to accommodate the scores of guests wanting to learn first-hand about plans for the 2018 gala. Thus, some guests craned their necks from the adjoining hallways and terrace, while others scattered throughout the 9,279-square-foot mansion just relied on the home’s audio system to learn that the ACS fundraiser would be returning to Gilley’s on Saturday, October 20, with the theme of Sapphires and Spurs.
The choice of the theme was especially interesting, due to two facts. First, this year’s gala will be the 45th anniversary, and sapphires are the jewel designate for that anniversary. Second, Co-Chair Katy’s the first lady of Bachendorf’s, and they really know their gems.
For the big announcement of the talent on the main stage, the screen over the fireplace came into play, literally. It showcased the Zac Brown Band. The news brought shrieks of delights. And to top that announcement, the talent on the live-auction stage will be The Charlie Daniels Band.
The even better news is that sponsorships are now available here. Alas, individual tickets won’t go on sale until Monday, October 1, if there are any left. Get the message. Underwriting and sponsorships pay off in big ways.
* Graphic provided by Cattle Baron's Ball