$2 Million-Plus Cowboy Party Takes Over a Historic Texas Ranch: Loving Country Boys and Betting Big

If “Ladies Love Country Boys,” as country legend Trace Adkins sang at the George Ranch Historical Park, ladies and gents surely love the annual Cattle Baron’s Ball, which this year drew more than 1,300 western-attired guests and raised more than $2 million for the American Cancer Society.

Auction items alone brought in half a million, thanks in no small part to Sonic Automotive, which donated not one but two trucks — a 2018 Ford F-150 SLT and a Chevy Silverado 1500 LT. And don’t forget the Great White Shark Expedition and African Safari offerings which also pushed the numbers up.

The night was indeed sweet for Victory, the volunteer branch of the American Cancer Society which each year organizes a boot scootin’ good time at the 20,000-acre working ranch in Fort Bend Country. Heading the effort were chairs Susan Ryan and Jerré Williams with an assist from Victory president JoLynelle Farina.

As is tradition, guests tried their luck at gaming tables, bet on pig races, participated in the wine pull and whiskey pull, and perused the tempting items in the VICTORY Shoppes and General Stores. Part of event’s fun also centers on the cornucopia of food offerings, this year from Pappas Catering. Think fried oysters, crab cakes, fried chicken drumettes, pressed Cuban Sandwiches, shrimp tacos, brisket with cheddar grits, an avocado bar, mac and cheese with pork belly and oodles of sweets for dipping in chocolate.

Country artist Bri Bagwell set the musical stage through much of the evening before headliner Adkins joined the party. And join the party he did in a big way, surprising organizers by donating his guitar and cowboy hat for auction. Kaching!

Who: Robin and Danny Klaes, Gigi and Russell Harbison, Matt Farina, Carol and Bill Lawler, Becky and Kelly Joy, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Kelli Fertitta, Kathryn and Don Sinclair, Lori Sarofim, Joanna and Brad Marks, Denise and Robert Leisten, Patti and Don Murphy, Katherine Whaley and Chris Wadley, Judy and Jack Johnson, and Jody and Jeff Dyke.