The 2023 Cattle Baron’s Ball committee plus past ball chairs had plenty to celebrate at the group’s Spring Luncheon at Yard Bird on Tuesday, April 4. In addition to hitting the $3M fundraising mark, there was a birthday celebration plus a menu featuring yummy Southern goodies like fried chicken. And when it came to shooting the annual group photo, organizers borrowed the lobby of a nearby office building for the setting. Here’s a report from the field:
More than 100 Cattle Baron’s committee members and former ball chairs gathered on Tuesday, April 4, at the organization’s annual Spring Luncheon underwritten and hosted by Yard Bird overlooking Klyde Warren Park. Luncheon Co-Chairs Skyler Baty and Emily Billingsley worked closely with the Yard Bird team to provide a hearty Southern lunch that included fried chicken, biscuits and mac-n-cheese, among other hearty comfort food. Executive Chef Anton Vintes, General Manager Erica French and Chief Marketing Officer Angela Wise greeted guests and as they wished 2023 Ball Co-Chair Andrea Cheek “happy birthday” before getting to the big news of the day.
As of Saturday, April 1, this year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball committee members have raised $3 million which is more than $1 million raised at this same time last year. Andrea and Co-Chair Isabell Novakov Higginbotham recognized “stellar” committee members who have surpassed the individual goal of raising $125,000 each: Lauren Brown, Kelly Garlock, Emberli Pridham, Josie Sewell and Heather Winn.
A large contingent of Former Ball Chairs attended the luncheon to cheer on the troops, including Katy Bock, Cara French, Nancy Gopez, Diana Hamilton, Kristi Hoyl, Olivia Kearney, Wendy Messmann, Jonika Nix, Kristen Sanger, Brook Shelby, Lisa Shirley, Sunie Solomon, Cindy Stanger, Andrea Weber, Katherine Wynne and Tia Wynne.
Andrea and Isabell also receive that the Trailblazer’s Party, honoring to donors who are early underwriters, will be honored in May at a unique Park Cities home. They plan to finalize the location and details by the end of the week.
* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron Photography