To rev up the commitment of the 2023 Cattle Baron’s Ball to raise funds for American Cancer Society research in North Texas, Co-Chairs Andrea Cheek and Isabell Novakov Higginbotham schedule its annual research symposium for Tuesday, February 28.
Taking place at the home of Lydia and Dan Novakov (aka Isabell’s folks), Symposium Co-Chairs Lisa Hewitt, Amanda Shufeldt and Kameron Westcott had an overwhelming turnout for the talk that included both the American Cancer Society Chief Scientific Officer Dr. William L. Dahut and cancer survivor Nick Monier, who benefited from funds raised by CBB. Here’s a report from the field:
A re-energized 2023 Cattle Baron’s Ball Research Symposium, hosted by Lydia and Dan Novakov, drew an exceptionally large crowd on the evening of Tuesday, February 28, at their Highland Park home. Ball Co-Chairs Andrea Cheek and Isabell Novakov Higginbotham welcomed the 100-plus crowd that included Cattle Baron’s members, top donors, American Cancer Society representatives and featured speaker Dr. William L. Dahut, who serves as chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society.
Andrea and Isabell began the evening by recognizing Symposium Co-Chairs Lisa Hewitt, Amanda Shufeldt and Kameron Westcott who secured donated catering from AT Bistro, floral arrangements from Cebolla and beverages from Andrews Distributing, Jackson Family Wines, Bacardi/Grey Goose and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Texas Oncology, presenting sponsor of the 2023 Cattle Baron’s Ball, was represented by Dr. Steve Paulson,who was thanked for the company’s record-setting sponsorship for a second year.
Dr. Dahut, who manages more than $400 million in research funding, referenced his pioneer treatment regimens in prostate cancer, clinical trials and immunotherapy. He explained the importance of expanding cancer research and concentrating priorities where they are most effective in the effort to eradicate cancer with an emphasis on early detection.
Dr. Dahut graciously agreed to meet the following morning with members of the Cattle Baron’s Ball Underwriting Committee to further inspire their efforts to raise record funds for cancer research.
After Dr. Dahut completed his remarks, Isabell introduced Nick Monier, a cancer survivor and American Cancer Society supporter who spoke about his personal journey with Stage 2/3 cancer and his personal advocacy for cancer research programs funded by Cattle Baron’s through the American Cancer Society.
A former Teach for America alum, Nick is an attorney, an avid runner, USTA tennis player and father of two children. He and his wife Julie spent the evening visiting with Symposium guests and garnering support for this year’s fund-raising campaign.
A poignant moment during the evening was cancer-survivor and former Cattle Baron’s Ball Co-chair Mary Martha Pickens (2015), posing for photos with former Co-Chairs Karol Bruton (1992), Wendy Messmann (2019) and Nancy Gopez (2022) all of whom continue to champion Cattle Baron’s and the American Cancer Society mission.
Andrea and Isabell concluded the evening by reminding guests that the 2023 Cattle Baron’s Ball will be Saturday, October 14, at Southfork Ranch.
* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron
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