Central Floridians to drive cancer away at Cattle Barons' Ball

ORLANDO  Since the 1970s, American Cancer Society supporters nationwide have been putting a twist on the charitable gala: They’re breaking out the boots, cowboy hats and flannel shirts.

At the annual Cattle Barons’ Ball, many guests eschew gowns and tuxedos for traditional Western wear. A charitable gala nonetheless, the ball was first launched in Texas in the 1970s to bring together donors for a fun, relaxing evening of raising funds to fight cancer. 

While the ball will be ongoing in various places around the country, hundreds of Central Florida attendees will kick the dust up Saturday, April 1, at Rosen Shingle Creek.

“It’s a different kind of gala, because people can come in blue jeans and boots if they want, or a fancy party dress,” said Therese Yanochik, the Central Florida Cattle Barons’ Ball event organizer. “It’s a very high-end event, and what’s unique about Orlando’s is that it’s a dine around. We have more than 30 restaurants in the area that come in and prepare the food. It’s neat that people can experience all these different restaurants in one place.”

Whether attendees dress in blue jeans and boots or party dresses with a little bling, the focus of the night is on raising money for the American Cancer Society. They’ll get to try their luck at multiple chance drawings, such as the Wine Door and Stock Your Saloon.

In the Wine Door drawing, attendees buy a key for $25 a piece and take a chance on winning 101 bottles of wine and Spiegleau stemware, valued at $2,000. Whoever gets the winning key that unlocks the door will win all of the wine and stemware.

“I’m just excited to have everyone come together to raise money for cancer research and patient services.” — Therese Yanochik, event organizer for Central Florida Cattle Barons’ Ball

And taking a chance on “stocking your saloon” could pay off in the form of winning a complete bar collection of vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, scotch, whiskey and cordials, plus a full assortment of bar accessories. For $25 per chance, attendees are one lucky draw closer to a fully stocked bar.

Guests also will have the opportunity to pan for real gems, win a $5,000 pair of diamond earrings, play carnival games, listen to high-energy band Blue Stone Circle perform, take line-dancing lessons on the dance floor and socialize while enjoying local delicacies.

Featured restaurants include Taverna Opa, Rosen Shingle Creek, 4Rivers Smokehouse, Tapa Toro, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Capa at Four Seasons Resort, Yak & Yeti, Vital Flair Catering, Crooked Can Brewery, Starbucks, and ABC Fine Wine and Spirits.

Last year’s ball raised more than $400,000 for cancer research. This year, Yanochik has set the bar even higher, with hopes of raising $500,000.

“It’s rewarding just seeing how the Central Florida community has really come together for this event with the dine around and beverage companies, our wonderful volunteers, our committee, the Earls (honorary chairs Tricia and Robert) and Lynette Tipton Steed (event chair) coming together to put this event on,” Yanochik said. “I’m just excited to have everyone come together to raise money for cancer research and patient services.”

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].