Southfork, A Legendary Texas Tradition, Serves As The Venue For Thousands Of Attendees
THE SCENE: What began in 1974 as a backyard Texas-style barbecue has grown into a record-breaking philanthropic tradition. This year’s legendary Cattle Baron’s Ball, the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, celebrated its 52nd annual Ball in grand Texas style at South Fork Ranch, proudly presented by Texas Oncology. Nine-time diamond-certified global superstar Post Malone headlined the night.
This year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball transformed 150,000 square feet of the legendary Southfork Ranch, newly renovated by owner Mehrdad Moayedi and Centurion American, into a spectacular celebration of cocktails, concerts, auctions, and dancing. With a rock ’n’ roll twist brought to life by event designer and producer Kate Fishel, Owner and CEO of Fauxcades, guests donned their finest boots and Western-chic attire for an unforgettable night.
THE VIBE: The evening began with the VIP Party presented by Anne Davidson, where guests kicked off the night with a live performance by Chandler Walters at 6 p.m. The 52nd Cattle Baron’s Ball, presented by Texas Oncology, officially opened its gates at 6:30 p.m. to welcome guests through the grand entrance and into a night filled with excitement.
Attendees posed for photos at the NorthPark Center Step & Repeat before exploring attractions along Andrews Distributing Ranch Boulevard presented by Miller Lite, including the Park Place Car display, Levi’s® Airstream denim customization, and the ULINE Mechanical Armadillo and Ferris Wheel. The space was a fair-like midway where guests could enjoy cocktails, bites, mingle, and enjoy the Aaron Augustine denim pick-up truck photo opportunity. Guests also relaxed by Fauxcades’ campfire seating and s’mores lounge, admired tributes at the Sewell Family Honor Wall, and browsed through the Past Ball Chair and sponsor displays in the Hall of Honor.
The Silent Auction sponsored by Moody Foundation offered standout prizes, culinary stations by Vestals Catering, and raffle opportunities from Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, while sports fans gathered in the Fauxcades Sports Saloon to watch live games and artist Chris Bingham’s denim artwork. Attendees also enjoyed beauty touch-ups in the Mary Kay Glam & Swag Room. They tried their luck in the Choctaw Casinos & Resorts casino with signature espresso martinis in hand. Guests also dined on fall-inspired dishes at The McCauley Co. Guitar Dining Garden & Picnic Plaza before heading to the Pike Electric Live Auction Stage, where Chandler Walters performed until 7 p.m.
This year’s live auction, sponsored by Pike Electric and led by auction-tainer Letitia Frye, offered guests the opportunity to purchase items such as a day of golfing with Dak Prescott, a Paris fashion show experience with GIVENCHY, a luxury retreat for 12 to Kauai, and the ultimate dinner party with an all star team of celebrity chefs, with proceeds going toward the American Cancer Society. The 2025 paddle raise benefited Ceci’s Fund in honor of Ceci Sanford.
The Main Stage tent opened, and guests grabbed late-night bites like Fletcher’s Corny Dogs before finding their tables through the White Rhino Coffee entrances. Raffle winners were announced, followed by a show-stopping performance by Post Malone. Post Malone, sporting a belt buckle by acclaimed Kerrville Silversmith Clint Orms, brought the energy and the music to his hometown of Dallas. His set included songs such as “White Iverson”, “I Had Some Help”, “Rockstar”, “Sunflower”, “Pour Me a Drink”, and ended the night with “Congratulations.”
The celebration continued into the early hours with the official after party at midnight, featuring Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and live music from The Emerald City All Stars on the Pike Electric Live Auction Stage. The unforgettable night ended at 1 a.m., marking another successful year for this iconic Texas fundraising event. Notables in attendance included Porschla Kidd, Jessica Nowitzki, Mike and Natalie McGuire, Lorene Agather, Chris Parvin, Josie and Carl Sewell, Jacqueline Sewell Atkinson, Justin and Kimberly Whitman, Myrna Schlegel and Bob Schlegel, Laurie Sands Harrison, Jill Tananbaum, Anne Stodghill, and Nancy Nasher.
THE NON-PROFIT: This year’s co-chairs were Dr. Courtney Derderian and Nina Sachse, and their theme of “All Cylinders” focused on firing on all cylinders, encouraging everyone to support the enduring mission of the Cattle Baron’s Ball: to raise critical funds, fuel hope, and move one step closer to a world without cancer…