Posted 9:19 am Friday, January 11, 2013
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Cattle Barons' Gala organizers hold kickoff party
A GMC pickup and a black and white sapphire jewelry set are among the prizes being raffled off during the 2013 Cattle Barons' Gala, set for June.
The prizes as well as a special VIP reception were announced at a kickoff party Thursday evening. Organizers, though, did not reveal who will perform at the event.
“We made the executive decision we cannot give out that information until we have contracts in hand,” Trudy Williams, the gala's co-chairwoman, said.
Last year's headline performer was the Eli Young Band.
The gala is an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society orchestrated by volunteers. Ms. Williams said the evening promises a concert, live and silent auctions, a gambling tent and a fully catered dinner complete with an open bar.
At a private home in the Cascades, friends and family of volunteers and the homeowner mixed and mingled with past donors and potential ones awaiting a presentation revealing more details about the venue and auction items.
“We have people in Tyler and Smith County that are dealing with cancer — that this is a very hard thing for their lives,” Ms. Williams told attendees. “They can't afford treatment. They often can't afford transportation to their treatments, and this is unacceptable and we can do better. We are here to raise money so we can put a stop to cancer.”
In its 26th year, the theme will be “Rigs to Riches – Drilling for a Cure,” and it is slated for June 8.
“We made the executive decision we cannot give out that information until we have contracts in hand,” Trudy Williams, the gala's co-chairwoman, said.
Last year's headline performer was the Eli Young Band.
The gala is an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society orchestrated by volunteers. Ms. Williams said the evening promises a concert, live and silent auctions, a gambling tent and a fully catered dinner complete with an open bar.
At a private home in the Cascades, friends and family of volunteers and the homeowner mixed and mingled with past donors and potential ones awaiting a presentation revealing more details about the venue and auction items.
“We have people in Tyler and Smith County that are dealing with cancer — that this is a very hard thing for their lives,” Ms. Williams told attendees. “They can't afford treatment. They often can't afford transportation to their treatments, and this is unacceptable and we can do better. We are here to raise money so we can put a stop to cancer.”
In its 26th year, the theme will be “Rigs to Riches – Drilling for a Cure,” and it is slated for June 8.
Organizers said the event will be hosted at the Rio Neches Ranch, 18654 County Road 418, in Tyler. The highest-level ticket holders, the barons' level, will be treated to a VIP reception where they will be the first to sample the cabernet and white wine blend from the owner's new winery Pelle Legna Vineyards.
The vineyard features 8 acres of grapevines growing 11 varieties of grapes.
Each ticket holder will be treated to a gourmet dinner from Eddie Deen Catering underneath the stars in the outside venue.
Attendees also will be able to purchase raffle tickets for prizes including a black-and-white sapphire necklace, earring and ring set created by jewelry Susan Robinson.
A “black and gold” Cattle Baron's edition GMC pickup donated by Hall Buick GMC also will be raffled off.
Monte Hall, the dealership's general manager, said this is the eighth year the company has donated a truck for the event. He said cancer is a subject that touches the dealer Pam Hall's heart.
“The American Cancer Society is a big deal to her because her mom died early in life from cancer, and we are a family-owned dealership, and we believe strongly in giving back to the community,” he said.
Tickets for the raffle items are $100 and can be purchased by contacting the Tyler American Cancer Society office, according to a press release from gala organizers.
Tickets to attend the gala are $175, and barons' tickets are $500.
Organizers said 100 percent of the proceeds from the evening will go to the American Cancer Society. The funds will be used for a combination of research and patient support services. Last year's event raised about $500,000, and organizers hope to repeat the success this year.
“It's going to take all of us working together to make this happen,” co-chairwoman Amy Barber said. “Last year alone we gave almost 500 gas cards to people receiving treatment. You think that's not a lot, but that's a lot to someone who is going to Dallas two and three times a week for treatment. We can make a difference, and we want to make a difference.”
For more information about the gala, contact Janna McClure, public relations chairwoman, or by email at mcclure.janna@gmail.com.
The vineyard features 8 acres of grapevines growing 11 varieties of grapes.
Each ticket holder will be treated to a gourmet dinner from Eddie Deen Catering underneath the stars in the outside venue.
Attendees also will be able to purchase raffle tickets for prizes including a black-and-white sapphire necklace, earring and ring set created by jewelry Susan Robinson.
A “black and gold” Cattle Baron's edition GMC pickup donated by Hall Buick GMC also will be raffled off.
Monte Hall, the dealership's general manager, said this is the eighth year the company has donated a truck for the event. He said cancer is a subject that touches the dealer Pam Hall's heart.
“The American Cancer Society is a big deal to her because her mom died early in life from cancer, and we are a family-owned dealership, and we believe strongly in giving back to the community,” he said.
Tickets for the raffle items are $100 and can be purchased by contacting the Tyler American Cancer Society office, according to a press release from gala organizers.
Tickets to attend the gala are $175, and barons' tickets are $500.
Organizers said 100 percent of the proceeds from the evening will go to the American Cancer Society. The funds will be used for a combination of research and patient support services. Last year's event raised about $500,000, and organizers hope to repeat the success this year.
“It's going to take all of us working together to make this happen,” co-chairwoman Amy Barber said. “Last year alone we gave almost 500 gas cards to people receiving treatment. You think that's not a lot, but that's a lot to someone who is going to Dallas two and three times a week for treatment. We can make a difference, and we want to make a difference.”
For more information about the gala, contact Janna McClure, public relations chairwoman, or by email at mcclure.janna@gmail.com.
