Cattle Baron's Ball gearing up for 10th year

For some folks October might seem like a long way off, but for those serving on this year's Cattle Baron's Ball committee, it's just around the corner.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the American Cancer Society's annual gala in Henderson County.

Set for Saturday, October 6, at the Joslin Ranch, at 2860 FM 2495, in Athens, this year's event, chaired by Betty Abendroth, promises to be the biggest and best yet.

During a planning meeting held on-site of the gala event last Thursday, committee chairs met to give an update on the progress of their various projects.

The theme for the year will be "Stetsons & Stilettos." Guests are encouraged to deck-out in their best boots, jeans and cowboy hats and get ready for a stompin' good time. There will be live entertainment with a dance floor, a live and silent auction, great food and lots of socializing.

Headlining the entertainment will be singer/songwriter/ actor Jon Rutherford. Rutherford's rich voice and smooth delivery of country favorites along with his own composi- tions such as "Until Now," "Taste of Texas," and "We Weren't Through," have thrilled audiences. In 1995, Rutherford was voted as Entertainer of the Year and signed to join the cast of regulars on the highly acclaimed, award winning Johnny High Country Music Revue show in Arlington, Texas. He has also been seen on a variety of television shows including Walker, Texas Ranger.

A number of events leading up to the gala include a golf tournament and a style show.

Richard Riehn, chair of the golf tournament committee, said the event's tourney will take place at Echo Creek Golf Club on Friday, October 5, the day before the ball.

A Style Show luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, September 19, 11:30-1:30 at Athens Country Club, will be open to the public.

Special guest speaker for the luncheon will be Suzie Humphreys. From administrative secretary to television talk show host, to 20 years in radio, Humphreys has hobnobbed with movie stars and politicians and has interviewed the great and "near great." She has made hundreds of commercials, done musical comedy and motion pictures. She lifts, jolts and nurtures her audiences and they love every minute of it. She makes them laugh until they swear they can't laugh anymore then she "grabs" them again.

Decorations for the ball will follow a red, white and blue patriotic theme.

The auction committee is currently working to secure some great items, for both the silent and live auctions.

A "Tree of Life" will be on display during the ball representing a symbol of hope in the battle against cancer. Those who contribute are doing so in recognition or in memory of loved ones who have battled cancer in honor of life, in memory of love, and in celebration of courage. Tree of Life candles are available for $50 each.

"Everything seems to be going quite well," Abendroth said during the meeting. "I think everyone is handling their jobs beautifully. This is going to be a fantastic place."

The event will be dedicated in memory of Jean Nichols, of Gun Barrel City, a member of the Henderson County Cattle Baron's board of directors who lost her battle with cancer this year.

General admission is $75 per person, and reserved seating is $100 per person.

This year's goal is to raise $150,000, Abendroth said.

The ball raises funds to support research, education, advocacy and service in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The American Cancer Society Board in Henderson County supports several programs within the county including a Patient Resource/ Services Room, Reach to Recover, Road to Recovery and Tell a Friend.

For more information on underwriting opportunities, to purchase a candle for the tree of life, to sign up for the golf tournament, or for participation with the Cattle Baron's Ball, contact Abendroth at 903-677-7700.