With the dust barely settled on its successful fund-raising event last November, the American Cancer Society Fayette County is galloping into 2008 with plans for its sixth annual Cattle Barons’ Ball on Saturday, Nov. 8.

The Western-style ball, which annually features dinner, music, dancing, games, a silent auction and more, earned $165,600 for the local office of the American Cancer Society in 2007, advancing the event’s five-year fund-raising total to more than $800,000. In 2008, the ball hopes to bring that total well beyond the $1 million mark.

“This year’s event will feature the theme ‘Shooting for a Cure’,” said event co-chair Susan Armagost. “Cancer touches everyone’s lives, and I feel honored to be a part of this amazing event that will move us one boot-step closer to a cure.”

Armagost and co-chair Kelly Batcho have begun assembling the 2008 Cattle Barons’ Ball committee, but they are hoping to lasso some new volunteers at a kick-off social on April 3 at 7 p.m. at the Highgrove Clubhouse in Fayetteville. Anyone who is interested in helping with this year’s event is invited and encouraged to attend. Returning committee members will be on hand to answer questions and discuss what types of volunteer opportunities are available.

“The biggest message we want to get across to folks this year is that the Cattle Barons’ Ball is an event for everyone,” said Kelly Batcho, who also chaired the 2007 event. “Anyone can take part in helping to plan the event, and certainly the ball is open to anyone who would like to attend. It has become one of the most anticipated events on the Southside each year, and rightly so. It’s a great time in support of a great cause.”

The Cattle Barons’ Ball committee is prepared to begin accepting sponsorships and donations for the 2008 event, including a venue for this year’s event, Batcho and Armagost said. Anyone who would like to recommend or even offer a site where this year’s ball can be held, should contact the co-chairs at batchok@bellsouth.net or susan-a@comcast.net.

To volunteer or to learn more about the 2008 American Cancer Society’s Barons’ Ball Fayette County, contact Nychelle Williams, senior community manager, 301 Kelly Drive, Suite 3, Peachtree City, Ga.; (770) 770-631-0625 (phone); (770) 631-8917 (fax); nychelle.williams@cancer.org or visit www.baronsball.com. For more information about the American Cancer Society’s services and programs, please call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit

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