Cattle Barons Galas Support the American Cancer Society’s Invaluable Mission

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until that happens, ACS will fund and conduct research, while sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. Their goal is longer lives filled with quality time for everyone.

The Cattle Baron’s Galas are annual fundraisers for the American Cancer Society. Galas generally feature food, auctions, games and live music with a western theme.

For more than 30 years Cavender’s has supported ACS through these events. The devastating effects of cancer touch many lives, including within the Cavender’s family. For this reason, it is a focus of our charitable giving, and dear to our heart.

We recently sat down with our own Brett Emmons, San Antonio store manager and Martina Robertson, Director of Development with the American Cancer Society. Martina shared with us some facts and history surrounding the Cattle Barons’ Galas. Brett is co-chairing the San Antonio Gala in October. He has personal reasons why he has gotten involved in ACS. He has devoted much of his time and passion to the organization.

How many Cattle Barons Galas are across the US? This year there are about 23 Cattle Baron’s Balls that will be happening throughout the country for the American Cancer Society.

How many of the Galas are Western themed? All of them trend to a Western theme.

What is the history of the Cattle Barons Gala? The first Cattle Baron’s Ball began in 1974 in Dallas, TX. Jacque Wynne and Patti Hunt created a backyard Barbecue for friends and family featuring entertainment and food at a private ranch. The event raised over $50,000 and the rest is history!

How much do these galas raise across the US in a year? This year, the projected total amount for all the Cattle Barons Gala events is a little over $11 million for ACS.

What do these funds go toward? Vital general cancer research.

A Brief history of ACS and the San Antonio Cattle Barons from Brett Emmons:

From left: Brett Emmons, Dr. and Mrs. Manual Santiago, Kelly Kuenstler, Mark Malesky

This year marks the 44th anniversary of the Cattle Baron’s Gala in San Antonio. It is the largest fundraiser of the year for the San Antonio area. The goal this year is to make 1 million dollars to help fund the existing programs and to bring the Hope Lodge into existence. There is the ACS fashion show as well as a Skeet shoot that are also annual events to raise funds.

The ACS Cattle Baron’s Gala and other fundraising events support the work of the ACS in San Antonio. 100% of the money raised from these events stay in the San Antonio area. Proceeds provide a range of help from rides to and from treatment to Wig fittings and all the way to funding the newest Hope Lodge in Texas. This may be the most exciting of all that is going on now. The Hope Lodge will house patients and their families if they are coming in from out of town and having to stay to receive their treatments. Free of charge! We have the property already and are working on finalizing the plans to break ground on the building. This will be only the 3rd facility of its kind in Texas.

I lost my mother to Ovarian Cancer in 1988 when I was 16. My Grandmother also lost her fight with Pancreatic Cancer a few years later. My father was a survivor of Prostate Cancer. So, I started volunteering to help make a difference in someone else’s fight. It can sometimes be very emotional working with the folks that are having to go through the fight. But it is super rewarding seeing the winners that are being produced with the help of their doctors, family and friends as well as the ACS.

I have been volunteering with the ACS for about 10 years now. I started working with the Ranch Chic Fashion show. When we took it over, they cleared around $12,000 dollars for that event. Last year the Ranch Chic Fashion show broke $100,000 for the first time ever. I have also served on the Baron’s Award committee and Served as Chairman of that committee for 3 years. I am now honored to be one of the ACS’s Cattle Baron’s Gala Co-Chairs. I was concerned about having enough time to do this position justice. What I found is that the time is there! Especially, when you are doing it to see what good comes out of it. I truly believe we all should be giving back to the communities we live in, in one form or another. I feel it is a mission that we should all take upon ourselves. We all can donate. Whether it be time, talent, or treasure, we all have something we can give back. My passion is working with the ACS. It is worth the time to find your passion for helping others.

I am very blessed to work for a company like Cavender’s that supports the ACS in most all our markets. They also help to support me personally, with time and donations, to help my mission in working with the ACS. Cavender’s was awarded the Baron’s Award for outstanding business of the year for the ACS. It has been a wonderful thing seeing what local businesses and individuals have done to show their support. I have found that people really want to help and sometimes all it takes is to ask. This disease affects all of us. It doesn’t see color. It doesn’t see gender. It is ugly and it is mean. But I truly believe with the research that is being done, also being funded by ACS donations, that we will someday see an end to Cancer! My hope is that you reach out to your local chapter of The American Cancer Society and see what you can do for them. Utilize your time or your talent or your treasure to give back to those in your community that need help.

The American Cancer Society is the nation’s largest private, nonprofit investor in cancer research. Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $3.8 billion in research to help understand cancer’s causes, determine how best to prevent it, and discover new ways to cure it. If you would like to donate, you can do that here.

Community Events for October 2022

Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo | Pasadena, TX | 9/23 – 10/1

The Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo seeks to exclude no one. All are welcome to become part of the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo family by becoming a volunteer or being a contestant or a visitor. We look forward to sharing our success with you. It is because of people such as yourself and business such as yours that we are successful in providing educational opportunities for area students.

East Texas State Fair | Tyler, TX | 9/23 – 10/2

The East Texas State Fair is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes through the operation of an annual event promoting education, entertainment and the spirit of competition. The Fair is committed to agricultural heritage, families and service to the community. Our mission is also to create commerce for Tyler and Smith County by providing venues for others to utilize and by drawing participants to the complex. Since 1992 the East Texas State Fair has offered $877,000 in scholarships.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | Albuquerque, NM | 10/1 – 10/9

For nine days in October the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, creates an enchanted world of special shape balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and vibrant balloon-filled skies. Brisk autumnal mornings in the Rio Grande Valley create an otherworldly backdrop for the breathtaking majesty of our most popular event, Mass Ascension. The experience of watching hundreds of gentle airy giants take flight is at once humbling and inspiring. It’s the allure of these magical moments and more that have continued to bring ballooning fans worldwide together for more than 50 years.

Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation Tyler Pro-Am | Tyler, TX | 10/3

The Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation began in 2007 in Tyler shortly after retired Senior PGA Tour professional Dick Goetz met Ron Nash of Dallas, a retired Navy Lt. Commander, at a golf tournament in Dallas.

The inaugural event in 2008 was a one-day Pro-Am with seven wounded warriors from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio participating. The following year, a two-day event for 17 wounded warriors included a party the first night and a Pro-Am the next day.

Businesses from Tyler and the golfing industry have provided excellent sponsorship support over the years that the Pro-Am has been held. Over $7,000,000 has been raised to help wounded warriors since the first Pro-Am was held. More than 700 wounded warriors and their families have received assistance.

The Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation focuses on providing help to wounded warriors who live in Texas.

American Royal Livestock Show | Kansas City, MO | 10/5 – 10/23

The American Royal is the nation’s highest caliber livestock show providing a premier experience for exhibitors. Rooted in our legacy, which began in 1899, we are committed to providing a platform for competition, scholarships, and education. A Kansas City tradition, the American Royal is focused on creating an environment where all feel welcomed, where agriculture is elevated, and champions are crowned.

In 2020, over 2,768 exhibitors entered the American Royal Livestock Show from 40 states and Canada. In 2019, over 1,700 exhibitors from 38 states made the trip to Kansas City for the Royal. Throughout the two-week show, over 3,500 head of the nation’s highest quality cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats were exhibited at the American Royal Complex.

Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo | Waco, TX | 10/6 – 10/16

The Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo, held at the Extraco Events Center in Waco is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We operate year-round along side our more than 500 active volunteers, fulfilling our mission to produce events for education, entertainment and agricultural experiences at the premier multi-use facility while giving back through youth scholarships and a positive economic impact to Central Texas.

Over the past 70 years, the Fair & Rodeo has offered Central Texas a place to come and support the community while enjoying the sights, sounds and smells that make the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo what it is! The Fair is held annually at the Extraco Events Center in Waco, TX, with over 238,000 in attendance in 2022.

Bulls & Buckles Pittsburg Rodeo | Pittsburg, TX | 10/8

Pittsburg Rodeo Association is a non-profit organization. It began in 1961 by local ranchers and community members. The annual rodeo is held on the last weekend of April. Other events, like a bull riding, are offered throughout the year.

Texas Rose Festival | Tyler, TX | 10/13 – 10/16

Since its beginning in 1933, the Texas Rose Festival has represented the spirit that brings Tyler together as a community. Rich in heritage and tradition, the Festival offers enchanting ceremonial events – the Queen’s Coronation, Ribbon Cutting and Rose Presentation, the Queen’s Tea, and the Rose Parade – all amidst a backdrop of brilliant roses as vibrant and colorful as the community they represent. We invite you to join us this year as the City of Roses celebrates its 89th Annual Texas Rose Festival.

Way Out West Country Fest | El Paso, TX | 10/15

El Paso’s Annual Country Music Festival will take place on Saturday, October 15th at Southwest University Park. The one-of-a-kind Honky-Tonk Fiesta includes live Country Music, a Chili Challenge, and the quest for the best Margarita Contest!

Now in its sixth year, Way Out West Fest has featured artists such as Cody Johnson, Midland, Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Clay Walker, Parmalee, Randall King, Brandy Clark, Frank Ray, The Powell Brothers, Brooke Eden, Travis Denning, The Wild Feathers, Madison Kozak, Desure, and Graycie York.

GO Rodeo Roundup | San Antonio, TX | 10/15

The event is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship Fund. Guests enjoy gourmet catering, a full assortment of beverages, live music, door prizes and silent & live auctions.

Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo | Bryan, TX | 10/15 – 10/23

The Brazos Valley Fair & Exposition, DBA Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, was organized for educational, scientific and charitable purposes to encourage, promote and maintain agricultural science, research, and educational functions. It is the general policy of the Fair & Rodeo that the excess of its revenue over expenses will be used for the furtherance of its exempt purpose, including the granting of scholarships and the funding of related capital additions and improvements.

The funds of the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo are used to provide scholarships to deserving youth in the Brazos Valley and throughout Texas and to meet the necessary expenses for its upkeep, operation and capital improvements of the Brazos County Expo, in furtherance of the exempt purpose of the organization.

San Antonio Cattle Baron’s Gala | San Antonio, TX | 10/22

Grab your hat, dust off your boots, and climb into your best western gear for the most enjoyable event this side of the Rio Grande! The 44th annual San Antonio Cattle Baron’s Gala promises to bring a toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time as you kick up your heels to give back to our community and the American Cancer Society.

Brand your calendars for October 22, 2022 for this cowboy chic affair featuring a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, and rip-roaring entertainment. The San Antonio Cattle Baron’s Gala promises to be an exciting opportunity for your organization to make a commitment to the health and well-being of our community. Your participation promotes and supports the American Cancer Society as it works to save lives by helping people stay well, get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.

So, put on your blue jeans and your favorite boots and join us for an exciting evening of entertainment and enlightenment!

Texas Tech Rodeo | Lubbock, TX | 10/27 – 10/29

We were the 1st college rodeo to ever be broadcast on the Cowboy Channel and they will be back this year! All proceeds benefit the Texas Tech Rodeo team!

Texas Tech Rodeo includes 15 College teams in 10 rodeo events. Tickets are $25 and include the Texas Tech College Rodeo performance and the nightly concert. Rodeo begins at 6:30pm each night with gates at 5pm. The nightly concert will begin after the rodeo inside the Bus Barn. The concert time varies depending on the number of contestants and events for the day. Thursday Rodeo and Rodeo Revival is FREE! We have a clear bag policy. Once the concert begins you will not be allowed to leave and come back in. Kids 12 & under are free.

Cinch Roping Fiesta | San Angelo, TX | 10/27 – 10/30

The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association initiated the Roping Fiesta in 1954 as a way to help generate revenue for the association in the off season from the stock show and rodeo. The Roping Fiesta has always been at least a two day event, though the events featured have varied to include calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, steer roping and double mugging.

State Fair of Louisiana | Shreveport, LA | 10/27 – 11/13

Welcome to the 116th edition of the State Fair of Louisiana! The State Fair dates are October 27 – November 13 (Closed on 10/31, 11/1 & 11/7). Please join us for the largest livestock show and carnival in the state. The State Fair of Louisiana is a not for profit organization run by a board of directors and staff.

Wichita Falls Cattle Barron’s Ball | Wichita Falls, TX | 10/29

Cattle Baron’s Ball is held every other year in Wichita Falls to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering | Fort Worth, TX | 10/28 – 10/30

31 years ago a group of us gathered in the conference room upstairs in the Cowtown Coliseum. We all felt that Fort Worth was the perfect location for a cowboy poetry gathering. Even though we had 11 inches of rain that first weekend, we’re still here after 30 years of celebration.

We put together a program that even today celebrates the men and women who make their living horseback working cattle providing beefsteak for the dinner tables of America. In 30 years we have continued to grow and serve as a platform to present competitions for our scholarship program awarded to young people which as of today, exceeds $1,000,000. The award is made to deserving young people who want to further their education.

Our Audience is from all over this great nation as well as other parts of the planet. The excitement of the ranch rodeo, the entertainment value of the cowboy music and poetry presentations, the sights, sounds, and smells of the chuckwagon camp, and the time spent dancing to western swing music make for a fun-filled family western weekend. Our sincere thanks to all of the folks who have supported us for 30 years.