Ball rounds up funds for Cancer Society

SOCIETYSOCIETYIt began in Texas more than 30 years ago. The Cattle Baron’s Ball was created by Texas gals with big hair and bigger hearts as a way to bring out some of the big Texas ranchers, oil men and businessmen on behalf of a very serious cause -- cancer. The first Cattle Baron’s Ball was a hit, and the American Cancer Society adopted the theme that has grown into a national program.

In the Newport-Mesa community, social patroness Bobbitt Williams was the driving force behind bringing the ball to the O.C. Last week, the Cattle Baron’s Ball attracted an enormous crowd at the Newport Dunes. Now in its seventh year on the California Riviera, founder Williams, looking radiant at the Saturday evening party, commented on how she was able to create the franchise: “I simply gave the people here an opportunity to say yes!” The crowd has been saying yes in a significant manner. More than $7 million has been raised for cancer research as a result of this one local event in Newport Beach.

Chaired by Ray and Judy Brandt, the 2005 gala was filled with fun -- more of a county fair than a charity ball to be sure. The Brandts and their committee pulled out all the stops. From pig races to panning for gold to casino games, a shooting gallery and country music galore, the evening under the massive tent on the Back Bay was filled with an exuberant crowd. As a result, organizers hope to raise an additional $500,000 to assist the fight against cancer.

“We are involved because we care,” said chair Ray Brandt, dressed as Wyatt Earp with his wife “Miss Kitty” by his side. Brandt said his mother died of cancer. Both he and his wife have become “passionate about helping others afflicted.” The couple have worked on this ball for more than two years.

“We can and do make a difference,” said Judy Brandt, aware that the money funds the research that will bring results.

For one night in Newport, the various forms of cancer afflicting people were put aside. It was all about western-themed fun. Nevertheless, many of the some 1,000 guests attending had a personal relationship with cancer, including Debbie and Gary Douglas of the Newport Coast. The couple will chair the Cattle Baron’s Ball in 2006. Debbie Douglas is a cancer survivor and calls Gary her rock.

“Gary was there to shave my head when I started losing my hair from chemo and was my strength when I was down,” Debbie said. They began working on the 2006 ball even before this year’s was held.

Also in the crowd were Becky and Scott Breckenridge. Scott is a cancer survivor. Similar mentions could include most of the patrons. Clearly, cancer affects many lives.

A few of the dedicated souls deserving much praise for all the work in producing the massive party include Cattle Baron League members, a 100 strong group of local O.C. men and women led by president Margo Ferris, dedicated to assisting the American Cancer Society year round. Volunteers such as Kerstin Woods, Kristin Scheithauer, Aurora Kaawa, Elayne Poy, Joyce Holford, Nanette Chessler, Les Wallace, Jim and Leah Karona and Traci Pennington were all front and center for the ball. Also in the crowd were Dody Korn, Bonnie Brady, Karen Sloan, Dorothy Sloan and two dudes dressed as cowboys, Bill Wood and Doug Hand.

The event was sponsored by corporate givers including PacifiCare Health Systems, Emulex, the Koll Co., PIMCO and many more, and the evening surely will advance the fight against cancer. For more information on how you can assist in the search for cancer cures, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.

Becky and Scott Breckenridge enjoy the festivities at the Cattle Baron’s Ball, raising funds for The American Cancer Society.20051029ip3hvtkn(LA)Becky and Scott Breckenridge enjoy the festivities at the Cattle Baron’s Ball, raising funds for The American Cancer Society.20051029ip3hukkn(LA)Dorothy Otsley Sloan, Karen Taryn Sloan, Dody Korn, Bill Wood, Traci Pennington and Bonnie Brady get together on the shores of the Dunes Waterfront Resort at the Cattle Baron’s Ball.20051029gzf7uqke(LA)Dorothy Otsley Sloan, Karen Taryn Sloan, Dody Korn, Bill Wood, Traci Pennington and Bonnie Brady get together on the shores of the Dunes Waterfront Resort at the Cattle Baron’s Ball.20051029ip3hvlkn(LA)Bobbitt Williams, the grand dame of the Cattle Baron’s Ball, takes a break with supporter Mark Porterfield. 20051029ip3hsvkn(LA)Judy and Ray Brandt were co-chairs for the 2005 Cattle Baron’s Ball, in support of The American Cancer Society.