Nearly 100 women evacuated Dallas for Parker this morning. Left behind were families, stilettos and makeup. But it’s only temporary. The gals are members of the 2022 Cattle Baron’s Ball committee and are in high drive at Southfork Ranch for Saturday’s “Ranches, Rubies and Ropers” fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer society’s research and treatment efforts in North Texas.
Before the committee got together for the annual group photo just before noon, another photo was being choreographed of former CBB chairs in front of a carousel just a few feet away. While the set-up was being arranged, the CBB leadership vets recalled memories of their days past. Dadgummit! Most of those stories were so off-the-record.
The first attempts at the past chairs’ photo were ho-hum due to the metal barricades corralling the carousel and chairs. But leave it to senior CCB Chair (2006)/Fort Worth transplant Olivia Kearney, who showed her “take hold of the situation” spirit, literally stepping up and hauling the the bars out of the scene to the delight of the photographers and her fellow former chairs including Tanya Foster (2008), Jennifer Dix (2011), Kristen Johnston Sanger (2012), Mary Humphreys Parker (2013), Mary Martha Pickens and Tia Wynne (2015), Andrea Weber (2016), Sunie Solomon (2017) and Katy Bock and Jonika Nix (2018).
As soon as that photo was done, the vets stayed to watch the 100 herded together for the committee photo. Despite facing the sun, it was all smiles on deck with 2022 CCB Co-Chairs Nancy Gopez and Kris Johnson standing atop the platform in front of boots that Big Tex would have envied.
But it wasn’t all that easy getting to Southfork today, since the usual drive along Parker Road was reduced to one lane due to an asphalt crew. Those who learned of the slo-mo before heading out opted to take Park Boulevard, which seamlessly transitions into Betsy Lane. At North Murphy Road, a turn to the left led them straight to Southfork.
While some might have memories of past CBBs at Southfork being rather wet swampy affairs, Nancy and Kris have arranged for no rain. Saturday will be just a sunshiny day and a clear night. So, wise ladies will be smart to layer some sunscreen under their makeup.
As for the setup, don’t worry about scoring a high number on your pedometer. Nancy and Kris have created everything in a nice neat package with
- the Moody Foundation Silent Auction Room, Frost Brown Todd Big Board silent auction and the Choctaw Casinos and Resorts games in the Southfork Ranch Event Center;
- the VIP party, live auction and performance by Chris Young on the Pike Corporation VIP/Live Auction Stage in front of the Southfork mansion; and
- Old Dominion performing on the Andrews Distributing Main Stage in a mammoth tent that already has the A/C working vigorously.
When it comes to grazing throughout the night, multi-talented Eddie Deen has arranged to have a variety of stations for every taste bud, including BBQ, Mexican, Fair and Frito Pie plus Dessert Options. For those who want to party until closing time at 2 a.m. on Sunday, there will also be a Late Night Station with Cinnamon Rolls, Breakfast Taquitos and Skillet Gravy Biscuits. And, of course, there will be plenty of libations for party hearty types and designated drivers. Nobody’s going to go home hungry.
So, rest up, because CBB is back at the ranch to lasso a cure.
Olivia Kearney says
We are so grateful to you Jeanne Prejean!!
You are a treasure and thank you for capturing our CBB moments.