Lack’s Furniture Supports Cancer Patients in the RGV through the Cattle Baron’s Ball
The 22nd annual Cattle Baron’s Ball, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will be taking place from 7 to midnight Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Pharr Events Center. The American Cancer Society of the Rio Grande Valley alongside many generous sponsors hosts an annual country-themed gala aimed to save lives, find cures, and fight back against cancer.
People are lining up for tickets for one incredible evening of great food, an open bar, live country music, dancing, and a spectacular auction. This year, guests of the gala are anticipating an incredible lineup of country artists, including The Powell Brothers, Lauren Corzine, and headliner Sawyer Brown.
“Aside from the fact that it’s one of the most fun events in South Texas, it’s a big party, all of the proceeds raised benefit local patient programs,” said Clara Chapa, community development manager for the South Texas Region of The American Cancer Society.
All of the proceeds raised at the Cattle Baron’s Ball assist local residents with programs that help families with provisions like free wigs for anyone diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. Another one of the programs includes the help of trusted volunteers who provide transportation assistance for any cancer-related appointments for patients who don’t have vehicles and would otherwise not make it to their appointments. In addition, the American Cancer Society, with the help of donors, is able to provide lodging assistance for patients who have to travel outside of the Valley for treatments, meaning a guaranteed free hotel stay for families. One of the more exclusive and fun programs offered in the Valley is called “Look Good, Feel Better,” which takes place once a month at the ACS’ local office in McAllen. The program is designed for women undergoing radiation and chemotherapy by providing a safe space for fellowship and makeup tutorials.
“Once some women start undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments, their skin changes or they have hair loss and it affects their self-esteem, but this helps them get together with others who might be going through the same thing,” Chapa said.
Volunteer cosmetologists come in once a month and provide free makeup tutorials and help women learn how to care for the radical skin changes that happen because of their cancer treatments. Women get a chance to take home free makeup kits and cherish time bonding with other women undergoing similar experiences. It serves as an encouraging safe haven and aids in boosting their self-esteem and confidence. Without funds from the Cattle Baron’s Ball and generous supporters from the community, some of these programs wouldn’t exist.
One of the biggest contributors to the Cattle Baron’s Ball for the past five years has been Lacks Furniture. This year, Lacks will be the presenting sponsor at the gala, donating $20,000. Every year, Lacks supports the community by raising money not only for the Cattle Baron’s Ball but by organizing other fundraisers for the American Cancer Society like the Zumbathon and “Shop for a Cause” events every October. Lacks also raises funds through a one-of-a kind golf and fishing tournament every spring.
“We truly appreciate their continuous support,” Chapa said of Lacks. “They’ve been so great to us. Every dollar that Lack’s raises remains local in our community so that is a big impact that they’re making here in the Valley for people undergoing cancer and cancer treatment who are in need of help.”
Lacks, a locally owned and operated company, first started donating to the American Cancer Society because of one of the Lacks managers was diagnosed with breast cancer. After co-workers witnessed her battle, there was a greater awareness of cancer at the company. After participating in Relay for Life, a walk-a-thon dedicated to cancer patients, leaders at Lacks were amazed at all that the American Cancer Society did for cancer patients around the Valley. It was then the partnership and bond between Lacks and the ACS began to flourish.
“This is our 83rd anniversary this year,” said Kris Karr, advertising director for Lacks Furniture. “Thanks to the support of the South Texas community, we are who we are. We’ve grown because of the community and this is just our way of giving back and saying thank you. We like to support the American Cancer Society because they give back to the community, as well.
“The fact that the Cattle Baron’s Ball brings the community together for one purpose — to raise funds for cancer, to celebrate life, and support those who are battling — shows so much support,” Karr added. “Everybody shows up for support and I just think that, in itself, is what it’s all about.”
Anyone in the community can participate in this priceless night that gives back to cancer patients of the Valley.
Tickets will be available at the local American Cancer Society office in McAllen. For more information, call Chapa at (956) 682-8329 or send an email to clara.chapa@cancer.org. Tickets are $150 per person or $250 for two people. Visit the website at www.cbbrgv.org and follow the Cattle Baron’s Ball on Facebook at Cattle Baron’s Ball of the RGV.
Make sure to be a part of this one spectacular night a year. Locals unite to relish in the fun, food, and entertainment that help people and families of those undergoing cancer know they are cherished.
