Posted 11:54 pm Monday, June 09, 2008
Cattle Barons' Gala Raises $575,000 For Cancer Society
By LAUREN GROVER
Staff Writer
FLINT - The rolling green hills of Threlkeld Farm transformed into a luxurious sunset-lit soiree Saturday night at the 21st Cattle Barons' Gala where the business of cancer research mixed with one of East Texas' swankiest pleasures.
Staff Writer
FLINT - The rolling green hills of Threlkeld Farm transformed into a luxurious sunset-lit soiree Saturday night at the 21st Cattle Barons' Gala where the business of cancer research mixed with one of East Texas' swankiest pleasures.
This year's theme, "21 Gun Salute: Shootin' for the Cure" inspired elegant, sexy cowgirl style among some 2,200 in attendance.
Guests mingled, beers in hand, and sampled tasty lobster, corn-stuffed avocados and tamales cooked fresh by Eddie Deen & Company Catering.
The party raised more than $575,000 for the local American Cancer Society.
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"What a night to be out!" said Holly Howard, a gala committee member who's been a gala organizer since its beginning. "I've watched this grow from a small event, to a small fair."
Several cancer survivors, or "honorees," were among those in attendance, including Tyler resident Brenda Simmons who overcame breast cancer twice, five years apart.
"This is great," said Mrs. Simmons, smiling.
She and her husband, Frank, chatted with friends Jorge and Nancy Negron of Whitehouse, longtime gala guests.
She and her husband, Frank, chatted with friends Jorge and Nancy Negron of Whitehouse, longtime gala guests.
"We love it, come every year," Jorge Negron said. "This year's is the best one we've seen in awhile."
Negron praised the catering, glad to see Eddie Deen on the menu and their wide selection of foods. Enjoying this particular night out is doubly fun, Mrs. Negron said.
"We're having a good time and helping a great cause," she said.
Country crooner Randy Travis hit the stage at 10 p.m. where a live auction had taken place earlier in the evening, including a trip to New York sold at $4,000.
Money was raised through sponsors, ticket sales and gaming during that night, said development director Nicole Schneider.
"The Tyler community is very supportive, and that's so nice," she said.
A colorful carousel anchored one side of the festivities, while a private VIP Baron's reception greeted special guests for a pre-party treat. Two other tents invited guests to gamble and play games, including a mechanical bull.
All money raised went toward American Cancer Society research, education advancement and services in East Texas.
