The Cattle Baron's Ball in
Dallas is a single-night fundraiser for cancer research benefiting the
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. Established in 1913, the society is organized into six geographical regions of both medical and lay volunteers operating in more than ...
. The first Cattle Baron's Ball was held in 1974 at the Star Brand Ranch and raised $56,000. In 2009, the Cattle Baron's Ball at South Fork Ranch raised $3.5 million. As of 2019, the Cattle Baron's Ball has raised more than $81 million for cancer research. It's become the world’s largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Country music's most revered performers have entertained at the ball throughout its 35+ year history, including
Tammy Wynette,
Johnny Cash
John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American country singer-songwriter. Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his ca ...
,
Willie Nelson,
George Strait
George Harvey Strait Sr. (born May 18, 1952) is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. Strait is considered one of the most influential and popular recording artists of all time. In the 1980s, he was credited for ...
,
Waylon Jennings,
Brooks & Dunn
Brooks & Dunn are an American country music duo consisting of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, both of whom are vocalists and songwriters. The duo was founded in 1990 through the suggestion of Tim DuBois. Before their formation, both members were solo ...
,
Clint Black,
Dwight Yoakam,
Big & Rich,
Toby Keith,
Sugarland
Sugarland is an American country music duo founded in Atlanta, Georgia. The duo consists of singer-songwriters Jennifer Nettles (lead vocals) and Kristian Bush (vocals, guitar, mandolin). They were founded in 2002, at which point Kristen Hall (vo ...
and
Brad Paisley, among many others.
More than $32 million of the money raised has been allocated to
UT Southwestern Medical Center.
The Ball typically holds a raffle featuring luxury items donated by sponsors and partners, which have included Park Place Porsche,
Christie's
Christie's is a British auction house founded in 1766 by James Christie (auctioneer), James Christie. Its main premises are on King Street, St James's in London, at Rockefeller Center in New York City and at Alexandra House in Hong Kong. It is ...
, Winstar World Casino, and Eisemann Jewelers.
Given the size, time of year (autumn) and outdoor location of the event, in the past attendees and organizers often dealt with inclement weather and muddy roads on the night of the Ball. The 2009 Cattle Baron's Ball was particularly plagued with limos and other vehicles that became entrenched in the mud; it was estimated that between 500 and 1000 vehicles required towing.
References
External links
American Cancer Society's detailed listing of the Dallas Cattle Baron's BallCattle Baron’s: The Great Mud Ball of 2009 , D Magazine's blog Sweet CharityLong Live The Cattle Baron’s Ball 2009 , Society Stylist (blog)
Culture of Dallas
Cancer fundraisers
American Cancer Society
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