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TOP JOBS

By JOYCE TURNER
Community Editor

The Tyler Cattle Barons' Gala will give a 21-gun salute to victorious cancer survivors and the programs that diminished their suffering at "21 Gun Salute - Shootin' for the Cure," beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Threlkeld Farm in Flint.

Those who attend - and country couture is the suggested attire - can expect to see stone columns at the entrance, leading them to the action, Gala Co-chair Linda Denson said.

"Returning to the Tyler Cattle Barons' Gala this year is Bill Reed Decorations with a whole new look," she said. "The live auction stage will be a nostalgic cowgirl billboard. Corrugated tin features with bright lights throughout the Gala give it an Old West feeling."

Gala Co-chair Ingrid Young said the focal point will be the carousel.

"If we can't have real horses for them to ride, we wanted to remind our guests of our childhood excitement to ride on the merry-go-round," Ms. Young said.

The annual Western party benefits the American Cancer Society, and the co-chairs said their goal was to carry out the ACS's mission statement of "eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service."

The co-chairs acknowledge that the Gala involves a great deal of time and effort in order to make it a success, and both of them have personal reasons for their commitment to the cause.

"My commitment comes from a personal level - a family member had cancer," Ms. Denson said. "I began about 15 years ago volunteering for the Gala. Since then, many friends and family have had the disease. My hope is that in my lifetime or my children's that a cure will be found for cancer."

"Exactly, my closest family members fought the battle with cancer," Ms. Young said, "and I wanted to honor them - grandmother, favorite uncle, and my mother is still a survivor at 85."

With the Gala just days away, the co-chairs said they are excited - and perhaps a little nervous.

"We want good weather and our guests to have a fabulous time," Ms. Young said.

And they also know they couldn't have done the job without the support of some important people in their lives.

"Many thanks to my family and friends who have been so supportive; the 21 honorees who have shared their stories, courage and time; and all the wonderful committee members," Ms. Denson said. "Our committee members are men and women who all have been touched by cancer - some are even dealing with it daily. With our community support, we will make a '21 Gun Salute - Shootin' for the Cure' a great success."

"This is over a year-long project and so many people have helped us make this a success," Ms. Young said. "Tyler is a great place to live. People are so generous with their support - financially, time and expertise."

A private, invitation-only Barons' reception, featuring cool beverages, a Cowboy Cookout by Eddie Deen and Co., and music by performer Steve Simmons, is planned before the gala to honor its sponsors. Headline entertainer Randy Travis will be present to shake a few hands, organizers said.

General Gala activities begin at 7 p.m.

The party menu, catered by Eddie Deen & Co. Catering, will be available during the evening at the Carving Station, Southwestern Quesadilla Grill Station, Halved Avocado and Salsa Bar, Wraps and Taco Station, Hand Battered and Deep Fried, Station on a Stick, Tamale Taster, Sweet Tooth and Sunrise Breakfast food stations.

Do the Texas swing with the Doug Moreland Band at the Don's TV & Appliance and Suddenlink live auction stage.

Take a chance on the special Cattle Barons' Edition 2008 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLE at the Hall Buick Pontiac GMC chance drawing booth. Ticket cost is $100, and only 521 tickets will be sold.

Claim your ticket at the Susan Robinson Booth for Charles Krypell's Precious Pastel Collection 18k white gold and diamond earrings.

Hop a ride on the C. Woods Company, Inc. and Denson Construction Co. Inc. carousel, and select a gift at the R.L. Davis gift box corral.

Test your luck at the Bank of America midway tent, featuring the mechanical bull, games, photos and wine toss.

Try your hand at the Eldorado Resort Casino gaming tent, and place a bid in the HealthFirst TPA, Inc. silent auction, which wraps up at 9:30 p.m.

At 8:15 p.m., guests can participate in a game of heads or tails to win the Dian Malouf turquoise suite of jewelry from Ramsey Fritz Jewels on the live auction stage, sponsored by C.T. Brannon Corp.

At 8:30 p.m., join auctioneer Larry Foster from Beretta Gallery of Dallas for live auction fun, or ante up for the Texas Hold'em tournament at the Eldorado Resort Casino gaming tent.

At 10 p.m., Randy Travis hits the stage to share some of his classic country hits. The performer, who has had 22 No. 1 hits and has sold more than 24 million albums, is known for these classics: "On the Other Hand," "Diggin' Up Bones," "Forever and Ever, Amen" and "Honky Tonk Moon."

Stand by to see if you are the lucky winner of the Hall GMC Truck and Susan Robinson Charles Krypell earrings. Swap those vouchers for prizes at the gaming tent big stores/general stores.

Then at 10:45 p.m., enjoy a special Eddie Dean & Company breakfast under the stars. Visit the local Chuck Wagon Wranglers for some late night tasty vittles immediately following the Randy Travis concert, but leave a little room for dancing because at 11:15 p.m. Third Party takes the stage.

Ready or not, game tables close at 11:30 p.m. and midnight is the last chance to claim prizes from the gaming tent and general store.

At 1 a.m., it's time to saddle up and head to the house.

"There is something for everyone at the gala," said Gala co-chairs said. "Whether you are a country and western fan, like games of chance or want to be a rodeo star on the mechanical bull, we know you will enjoy your evening while supporting this worthy cause."

Tickets for the event, featuring the cuisine of Eddie Deen & Company, are $175 per person. For information on availability, contact the ACS office at 903-597-1383 or visit the Web site at www.cattlebaronsgala.net.