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Cattle Barons Ball a huge success

Fayette County residents who attended Saturday night’s Second Annual Cattle Barons’ Ball for the American Cancer Society, woke up Sunday morning with a little extra spring in their boots, warmth in their hearts, and maybe a saddle sore or two. 

Attended by over 500 Western-garbed patrons, the event raised over $160,000, considerably more than the $95,000 raised at last year’s premier event. Proceeds were earned from ticket sales, a silent auction loaded with wonderful donated items, and a live auction featuring trips, sports memorabilia, and memorable keepsakes.

By far the most moving moment of the evening happened during the live auction which was conducted by local auctioneer Ed “The Colonel“ Nolan. Bidding was brisk and generous. Patrons purchased vacations, a handmade quilt which featured cancer survivor's hand prints, a golf cart, and college scholarships for cancer patients. One of the last items for bid was a framed official flag of the New York City Police Department which had flown over the site of the World Trade Center. 

The bidding was very competitive, and as often happens in live auctions, when the gavel was thrown and a final bid accepted for $2,600, two bidders sitting in very close proximity thought they had won the item. Peachtree City resident Susan Osborne and Al Hogan of Atlanta Metro Paving both thought they had given the winning bid. Osborne graciously and very generously volunteered to purchase the flag for the bid price of $2,600 and then immediately donated it back to the American Cancer Society, who gratefully accepted Hogan’s $2,600 bid. Hogan went home with the flag, the American Cancer Society earned $5,200 for cancer patient care and research and Osborne went home with the entire room’s admiration.

The very next bid item, and the last item for the evening, was a dozen Rona Roses. Dr. John Goza, Co-chairperson of the evening’s festivities, was the winning bidder of the roses for $800. There was not a dry eye in the room when he presented the lovely flowers to Osborne.

What a memorable evening, what remarkable individuals, every one a soldier in the battle against cancer. 

Organizers and volunteers are already at work on planning next year’s festivities. If you would like to join the organizing committee, volunteer to help at the 2005 ball, purchase a Cattle Barons’ Ball Cookbook, sponsor or donate, please contact Sheri Waynick, community income manager of the American Cancer Society in Fayette County, at 770-460-8920.