Weathercasters braced for a record-breaking temperature on Wednesday, May 18. That meant that thermometers rising past 96. But they hadn’t factored in 2022 Cattle Baron’s Ball Co-Chair Nancy Gopez’s and Kris Johnson’s sway with Mother Nature. Not only did GoJo have the temperatures not pass the 96 marker, they managed to have a lovely breeze at dusk.
The need for the gentler outdoor conditions was the Cattle Baron’s Ball Trailblazer party at Kathy Klingaman’s and Joe Sugarek’s fabulous Highland Park estate.
While some might have been wary of venturing past the air-conditioned mansion, guests like Kim and Greg Hext, Laura and John Losinger, Skyler and Robbie Baty, Kelley and Brian Schadt, Isabell Novakov Higginbotham and Trey Higginbotham soon discovered that thanks to the shady backyard, the pool, the lounge chairs and the gentle breezes, guests were right at home listening to the Ray Johnston Band and dining on Eddie Deen’s chow.
However, that breeze proved a bit challenging at times as the season’s trend of cotton and silk short skirts were showcased more than one had planned. One young thing, upon opening the front door, was surprised by a sudden gust of wind that lifted her white skirt skyward, saluting the valet parkers.
In the crowd was Connie O’Neill, who was receiving congrats on having received the 2022 Highlander Award by the Highland Park High School Alumni Association and the Highland Park Education Foundation… Lee Bailey had just closed on selling her Turtle Creek townhouse and was preparing to sign the papers on her newest digs. The gal is a mover’s and Realtor’s dream client.
Across the way from the dining room that was filled with food, an unexpected turn of events took place. When the pianist playing the baby grand at the base of the winding staircase took a break, a fellow in an Eddie Deen cap and uniform, who had been supervising the feast in the adjacent dining room, took his place at the piano and stopped traffic with his playing. He soon drew a crowd surrounding the piano and filling the area, including hosts Kathy and Joe, Stacey and John Relton, Annette Hendon, Jennifer Burns, Robby Sturgeon and Vicki Chapman.
Who was the gent with both epicurean and musical talents? None other than Eddie Deen himself.
For more faces and fashions of the night, check MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.