ANNUALLY ONE OF the city's largest and most successful fundraising fetes, this year's Cattle Baron's Ball surpassed expectations, raising $1.6 million for the American Cancer Society.

The 37th annual gala took over the fourth floor of the Hilton-Americas hotel Downtown, where more than 800 guests gathered for the "Neon Lights and Bayou Nights"-themed event. Chairs Robin Klaes, Janette Marx and Stephen Toups, the night was bright, indeed! There were pig races; a wine, whiskey and spirits pull; a hat bar from The Hat Chick; and tons of Texas-themed bites, naturally.

In addition to an exciting raffle — which featured five sweepstakes packages! — the live auction made serious waves. Beck & Masten Buick GMC donated two (two!) 2024 GMC Hummer EVs, and each one went for $130,000.

The funds raised go not only to cancer research, but also to programs dedicated to helping patients and their families navigate the diagnosis and treatment, which is often costly and emotionally draining. For example, Hope Lodge is a place where patients can stay at no cost to them for the duration of treatment. Abbigail Guana has been a resident there since May, and sent a video message emphasizing the importance of access to care. After that, a special paddle raise took place, and names of those who donate $1,000 or more during the event will be commemorated on a special plaque accompanying a custom piece of art by Taft McWhorter.

The evening's musical entertainment was dynamic, with Demola the Violinist welcoming galagoers with electric-violin versions of country hits. And country hitmakers Easton Corbin and Roger Creager got everyone out on the dance floor!

Ben and Maureen Lucas

Tricia Verbois, Jill Watson, Karen Remington

Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman

Brian and Nora Jarrard

Thomas Roberts and Cyndy Garza Roberts

Casidy and Patricia Welch

Tany and Chaz Klaes

Davis Hance and Kittsie Klaes

Steve and Paula Winter, Cyndy Garza Roberts and Thomas Roberts

Easton Corbin

Stephen Toups, Robin Klaes, Easton Corbin and Janette Marx

Jennifer Champion and Kevin Scroggins

Stephanie and Frank Tsuru

Jenny and Matt Todd

Pete and Jana Delongchamps

Joey Delongchamps, Danny Klaes and Michael Deis

Johnny Bravo

Mike and Teresa Cook, Erin and Andrew Kramer

Riggs, Chita Craft and Ron Trevino

Joi Lecznar, Robin Klaes, Dana Miller

Jonathan and Ann Ayres, Valerie and Tracy Dietrich

Marilu Garza and Leila Perrin

Judy Labrasca, Heather Holmes, Mary Stone

Maegan Toups, Carson Joachim

Katie and Seth Tsuru

Landon and Brenna Agabaldon

Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman and Shavonnah Roberts