Nothing proves that “everything is bigger in Texas” like the Cattle Baron’s Ball.
Each fall during the world’s largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, a glittering crowd gathers for a big concert, a big celebration, and, most important of all, big giving for cancer research.
Just how big? A total of $111 million has been raised since 1974.
The 2026 Cattle Baron’s Ball will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Southfork Ranch. This year’s headliner is the award-winning country artist Chris Stapleton. But not all the stars of the show will be performing onstage. Event co-chairs Paige Westhoff and Cynthia Everitt have been working behind the scenes for over a year.
“Every day’s an adventure as a Cattle Baron’s co-chair,” Westhoff said. A Principal at JM Search by day, she’s been volunteering on the event team in various capacities since 2011. For her, the Ball’s mission has personal meaning.
“Cancer touches everybody’s life,” Westhoff said. “My mom had acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It’s so important to be able to grant the funds to continue research and accelerate treatment.”
Co-chair Everitt, a realtor by day, counts six years as a Cattle Baron’s volunteer. She, too, has a personal tie to the cause.
“I have a family member in the hospital right now battling cancer,” Everitt said. “The idea that there’s something that we can do to help in some small way, that is so meaningful. It’s an amazing thing we get to do.”
The pair took special care to highlight the Paddle Raise section of the event, which is dedicated to individual families who have been affected by cancer. This year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball Paddle Raise in honor of the Fitzgibbons family will support innovative cancer research here in Texas and a future in which more survivals are celebrated by families across the country.
The theme for the main event, Soar Higher, reflects a call to action infused with optimism. Westhoff and Everett note that it will inform “an elevated Western feel” throughout the experience.
Auction highlights will include adventure travel from Butterfield & Robinson and Ritz-Carlton. Jewelry by Madriana and Tennessee Turquoise Company will be available in a shop-able live marketplace. A luxury car from Park Place Dealerships, a shopping spree at NorthPark Center, and more, are up for grabs in the raffle.
The evening will culminate in a performance from Chris Stapleton that’s almost sure to include “Higher” from his hit album of the same name. Speaking of which, the co-chairs are sticking to the same fundraising goal plan that’s been making a big impact for over half a century.
“We always try and do better than the year before,” Everitt said. “We just want to keep improving.”
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