The 19th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball

Save the Date — April 14!

“The Cattle Baron’s Ball is one of the best, most fun events in Central Florida. It’s made even more poignant as its mission is so important for us all,” Tyler Kurau, event chair.

The annual Cattle Baron’s Ball, benefiting the American Cancer Society, is certainly unique. The roots of this fundraising “non-gala” event date back to the 1970s in Texas, when organizers sought to find a relaxed way to raise cancer awareness and research funding to eradicate the terrible disease. In fact, since the ’90s, U.S. deaths from cancer have decreased by 20 percent thanks to fundraising events like this one.

It is probably the only event on the not-for-profit social calendar that encourages attendees to leave the tuxedos and gowns in their closets and pull on their jeans, cowboy boots and bedazzled western shirts and hats. Square dance dresses are also appropriate.

Now in its 19th year, this year’s Orlando Cattle Baron’s Ball will be held Saturday, April 14, from 6-11 p.m. in the Gatlin Ballroom of Rosen Shingle Creek. Tickets are priced at $250 each, with all proceeds benefiting cancer research and elimination.

Last year’s ball raised more than $400,000. This year, Sarah Carlson, Senior Development Manager of the Distinguished Events at the American Cancer Society, is confident the combined ticket cost and fundraising activities will yield a total of $500,000.

“Our guests have a wonderful time and leave knowing that they have tangibly improved lives and have made a very real and material difference,” Kurau said.

The event is co-presented by Harvill’s Produce and the Harvill Family, who have experienced cancer on a personal level. The patriarch of the family fought and survived two types of cancer. Now he attends the Cattle Baron’s Ball with his family. They all feel great joy in being together at this important gala and compose three tables of attendees.

What’s unique about Orlando’s Cattle Baron’s Ball is something called “the dine around.” More than 30 restaurants in the area prepare food and generously donate their offerings to the event. Featured establishments include ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Crooked Can Brewing Company, Orange Blossom Brewing Co., Rosen Shingle Creek, Seasons 52, Vital Flair Catering, The Whiskey and Yak & Yeti Restaurant.

Not only do you get to dine at your leisure, it’s also a great opportunity to experience many diverse restaurants in one place. You can sample the fare of some of Orlando’s fine dining establishments that you wanted to try but didn’t have time to get to yet. The dine around experience also gives you plenty of time to take part in many of the ball’s other activities, some designed to augment the fundraising effort.

The high-energy evening begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction. There is also a live auction and a paddle raise planned to specifically benefit pediatric cancer research. Two particularly favorite means of raising additional funds are called the “Wine Door” and “Stock Your Saloon.”

In the Wine Door drawing, attendees buy a key for $25 and a chance that their key will open the door, behind which awaits 101 bottles of wine and stemware, valued at $2,000. Another $25 key could win someone the chance at a completely stocked bar collection of vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, scotch, whiskey and cordials, plus a full assortment of bar accessories.

The Cattle Baron’s Ball presenters are extremely grateful to all of the restaurants and beverage companies, the wonderful volunteers and committee chairs, the Harvill family and Tyler Kurau for their input and tireless support. A big Texas-sized thank-you also goes out to more than 35 area corporate sponsors, including Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Borden, Cheney Brothers Inc., Dan Dantin, Gordon Food Service, Law Office of Ted B. Edwards P.A., Frank Santos, Sysco Guest Supply and US Foods.

For a complete list of co-sponsors, to donate an auction item, or to purchase tickets, call Sarah Carlson at 407-581-2503 or visit cattlebaronsballorlando.com. ♥