Cattle Baron's Ball ropes in $700K

The fifth annual southwest Missouri American Cancer Society Cattle Baron's Ball raised its second highest total in event history, pushing the fundraisers grand total over the $3 million mark.

The $700,000 raised during the Aug. 17 event is 14 percent higher than 2012's $600,000 total and close to the event high of $715,000 tallied 2011.

With more than 1,000 guests and 200 volunteers at Missouri State University's Darr Agricultural Center, funds raised go toward ACS programs, research and operations, according to a news release.

First launched in Dallas in the 1970s, the Cattle Baron’s Ball is ACS’ single largest fundraising event through sponsorships, auction and ticket sales, the release said. The inaugural ball in southwest Missouri in 2009 raised $500,000, and the group collected $670,000 in 2010.

This year, live and silent auction items generated more than $140,000, with donated items including a $20,000 kitchen remodel from Southern Supply Co. and playhouses donated by Heartwood Lumber and Habitat for Humanity.

A total of $100,000 was donated specifically to fund cancer research by Missouri researchers, with lead gifts donated by Robert and Lawana Low of Prime Inc., Kenneth E. Meyer of Meyer Communications and a donation in honor of Judge Larry Meyer, who died of cancer in June.
Lesley Hawley, daughter of 2013 event chairmen Ron and Ginni Hawley, also made a $10,000 donation which was matched and doubled by an anonymous donor that evening.
Attendees of the ticketed event were treated to live music by entertainers Maggie Rose, Black Jack Billy and MaKenna & Brock, Vegas-style gaming and gourmet cuisine from local restaurants.

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