John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic museum in Branson, is one of more than 25 community leaders serving as executive barons for the American Cancer Society's first Cattle Baron's Ball in Springfield, scheduled Aug. 22 at Missouri State University's William H. Darr Agricultural Center. The Western-themed event started in Dallas 35 years ago; last year's Dallas gala raised $4.2 million after expenses. About a quarter of the Springfield event's proceeds will benefit local cancer patient services, with the rest going to national research and prevention programs, organizers say. For more information, go to www.cattlebaronsballswmo.org.
Q: What is the Cattle Baron's Ball?
A: This event takes on a totally different spin than just your normal fundraiser. What we're planning to do is bring a little Texas to the Ozarks. There will be a number of tents - a VIP private party, a saloon tent, an award party, a media recognition area, dinner, live entertainment, and a few auction items. This isn't an auction, though - this is about companies and sponsors taking on a whole different dimension in putting an event together. And everybody comes in jeans and cowboy boots.
Q: How did you get involved?
A: I'm very involved down here with many organizations; one of them is Skaggs Regional Medical Center, and this past year they opened a cancer center. So when (organizers) Kim (Inman) and Mary (Valloni) called me, I said I would get behind something like this if it also really benefited Branson. I thought this would be a great bridge between Springfield and Branson to do something together. There are so many charity functions throughout the year, so why not make one fit both cities?
Q: How are you working to get the Branson community involved?
A: My wife, Mary, and I do a great deal in Springfield as well as a great deal here - we love both communities and have many friends in both places. We see the bridge get smaller and smaller between us all the time. So on Feb. 17, we'll be doing a social event in Branson at the Hilton Promenade, and it's for all the people in Branson to get involved with it, find out what Kim and Mary have put together for this event, and encourage them to participate.
Q: Who is involved with the event so far?
A: Price Cutter is the largest sponsor, and we've also got the folks at Outback restaurants (in Branson) who have warmed to it. But there are also many executive barons - from John and Jeannie Morris at Bass Pro Shops, John Wanamaker at BKD, the folks at CoxHealth, Drury University, (Wendy's of Missouri owner) Sam Hamra, people with John Q. Hammons Hotels, Missouri State University, Mark McFatridge at OakStar Bank, Matt Gifford and Kirk Elmquist with the Springfield Cardinals, the folks from St. John's. There's a large list of people involved with this.
Q: Does the current economy make planning a large event like this difficult?
A: We all have to pay attention to what's going on with the economy. But at the same time, research doesn't stop, and research is expensive. People have to step up, always. Yeah, it's a little tougher time right now, but you have to proceed. I've seen so many executives representing their companies stepping forward to say, "Yes, we're going to do this." You find a way to help.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
