Cattle Baron’s Ball falls short of fundraising goal

The American Cancer Society of Southwest Missouri’s Cattle Baron’s Ball raised more than $570,000, according to totals provided yesterday to Springfield Business Journal.

The seventh annual festival had a goal of over $700,000, said Kim Edwards, spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society. Last year’s total was over $578,000, she said.

Held Aug. 8 at Missouri State University’s Darr Agricultural Center, the event wrangled in 1,100 guests and over 270 volunteers, including Chairmen Cary Prater and Denie Patrick, said Edwards.

The Cattle Baron’s Ball included auctions and a performance by country music artist Ricky Gunn.

Fundraising raised during the event goes toward ACS programs, research and operations.