LETTER: An early Cattle call for a good cause

As many of you are aware I have been very involved with the American Cancer Society for more than a decade and actually chaired the first two Cattle Baron’s Balls in our area. We all have been touched by cancer, if not directly usually just one branch away on the family tree.

I vowed to make the Cattle Baron’s Ball the antithesis of every other boring charity ball. You know the ones I’m talking about: the fella puts on his old tux, which is too tight; the gal puts on her gown, but she’s freezing in the cavernous hotel ballroom. The silent auction items are all for the ladies, and you have to buy those stupid drink tickets. You get served a lukewarm steak and when the band gets to YMCA on their playlist, the husband says lets’ get the heck out of here.

Don’t get me wrong, I know the causes are all with merit….I’m just saying I get bored.

 Contrast that to the Cattle Baron’s Ball. You wear cowboy clothes — boots, jeans and hats. The auction items are great for both fellas and gals, the drinks are flowing and included in the price of admission. The food stations are manned by the leading restaurants in our area. Moreover, the live band will rock your socks (or boots) off as the Linkside Center at Sandestin is transformed into the “ACS Ranch.” If you can’t have fun here you must be on Boot Hill!

 The 7th Annual Emerald Coast Cattle Barons’ Ball will be at Sandestin on March 15, 2014. A high energy, casual Western themed event, the evening includes dinner, drinks, entertainment, live and silent auctions, all to benefit the American Cancer Society. For further table or ticket sponsorship information, contact Kay Phelan at kayphelan@earthlink.net.

Tim Krueger is a Destin resident and serves as the sheriff for the Cattle Baron’s Ball, an American Cancer Society fundraiser,