Speaker 1: 0:08

Welcome back to the Bubble Lounge. I'm Martha Jackson. Today's episode is one of my favorite traditions we're sitting down with the powerhouse women behind this year's Haddlebarons Ball. This is actually our fifth time featuring the incredible chairs of this legendary event, and each year it just keeps getting better. If you've ever wondered what it takes to pull off one of the most iconic, over-the-top and impactful fundraising events in Dallas, you're in the right place. We're talking about the theme, the fashion, the music, the surprises and, of course, the mission behind it all raising life-saving funds for American Cancer Society. So, whether you're a longtime supporter or thinking about going for the first time, stay tuned for the behind-the-scenes. Look at what makes Cattle Barons Ball such a can't-miss night in our city. So stay tuned.

Speaker 1: 0:59

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Speaker 2: 1:57

My name is Courtney Durdarian. I'm one of the co-chairs for the 2025 Cattle Barons Ball. I'm a physician at Children's Medical Center and I've taken care of you know hundreds, unfortunately, of kids that have cancer, and it's one of those diseases that affects everyone in some way, and I think doing something within your power to help rid that experience from people is something I really wanted to do more to help with from people is something I really wanted to do more to help with.

Speaker 3: 2:31

Hi, my name is Nina Saxey. I've been a Kettlebearers member for 11 years. I got involved because I had a dear friend approach me to get involved and you know, like Courtney said, we've all been touched by cancer in some way and my mother passed away from cancer 10 years ago. So I continue to do this for her and for everyone that's fighting and the caregivers and just the loved ones that you know deal with this on a day-to-day basis. Right, you're absolutely right.

Speaker 1: 2:57

All the past chairs that we've had on everyone has had some type of tie-in with it. I have as well, and it's just. I love the passion and the chertanality into this great cause. But so this is going to be the 52nd year of Cattle Barons. What do you think helps it maintain its popularity after all these years? I mean, the whole town talks about it year round.

Speaker 2: 3:21

I feel like you know that's such a good question, martha. I think there's so much passion and drive and thought that goes into this event from the entire 100 committee Sorry, edit, 100 woman committee and, truthfully, every year we just try to make it bigger and better and just make it fresh and unique for the community. Because there is so much support and I think that's what we've seen more than the community, because there is so much support, and I think that's what we've seen more than ever this year is just how much support there is for the cause, sure, sure.

Speaker 1: 3:52

Well, has there been a particular moment with all the years you've been involved with Cattlebearers that really stands out to you and just kind of reminds you of why you've got involved?

Speaker 3: 4:06

of reminds you of why you've got involved. I mean, you know, one of my favorite memories every year is as members we go, we have set up day the day before the big event and we're all there together working on putting the day together and making sure everything looks perfect First line auction to casino, to having the food stations ready. It's just really powerful to be there and be inside the tent when you're putting the tables and chairs together. So it just really is a memorable time and moment to be with all these women that have worked so hard for the whole year and just celebrate the wins and just seeing it come together.

Speaker 1: 4:40

I've seen your Instagram right before and it looks like you guys are having just so much fun working together and putting it all together. We have the best time right before and it looks like you guys are having just so much fun working together and putting it all together. We have the best time.

Speaker 2: 4:48

What about you, courtney? You know last year's paddle raise was super special to me. It was actually for one of our members' families. Her name was Claire Phillips and her husband, case, was fighting glioblastoma and unfortunately lost his battle a few months prior to the event and earlier that year. And watching our committee and watching the community raise more money than we've ever raised for the Powell raise to support their family and to do some really excellent funding of research was so, so special and moving. Truthfully, I think a lot of us were moved to tears. So it was really special.

Speaker 1: 5:22

I would imagine the Czech presentation is pretty emotional and exciting to see it be presented. Yes, so let's talk about this year's theme. I always love hearing how you guys came up with the theme and just kind of walk us through what things are going to look like.

Speaker 3: 5:40

You know, our theme this year is all cylinders. So we are all firing on all cylinders this year, with momentum, with our sponsors, with our group, with everyone. And so really our colors are black, white, beige and a dark, dark maroon. So we just are leaning into this kind of darker, moodier feel for this year, and you will see a tie-in once we reveal the artist all together. So that was our goal for this year to put it all, package it into one story.

Speaker 1: 6:12

Well, so when I've been to the Cattle Barons Ball I've been four times now and absolutely love it. It's just so overwhelming and in a really good way to walk through there and there's so many things to see. But is there anything that if someone doesn't know to look for that they might miss? That's a good question too.

Speaker 2: 6:30

So you know, every year the layout is slightly different and so sometimes I think people will miss, like, the back corner which really this year is going to be a glam room which we think especially ladies might want to drop by, and there's also going to be a small marketplace there so you can buy some special items and also have money go back to Caliber and Spall. And so I would say, don't miss the back corner inside of the building.

Speaker 1: 6:54

So I would say don't miss the back corner inside of the building. Well, is there anything fun that we can look forward to this year?

Speaker 3: 6:59

that's out of the ordinary, I know that you're not quite ready to announce the entertainment yet. Right May 14th is our reveal date for entertainment at our Trailblazers party, so we are very excited about it and can't wait to share it with the world.

Speaker 2: 7:18

And one new spin on this year. So for our special event that we put on in the fall, we're going to be doing poker night. So we would love anyone who maybe you can't attend the ball but you're available on September 25th We'd love you to come out and play some poker at Dallas Country Club and have some fun with us. That sounds fun.

Speaker 1: 7:35

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Speaker 3: 8:29

You know we are still working diligently on all the live and silent auction packages right now, so we are still early on in the process, but we have some great things coming in. I could just imagine.

Speaker 1: 8:39

It never disappoints.

Speaker 2: 8:40

I'll tell you that we're trying to make a little push in the art world this year. You know we always have great art at Calabaran's, but we're just trying to amplify that that we are anticipating a few of those will even be live auction worthy.

Speaker 1: 9:00

So maybe that's something to look out for. Oh wow, yes, I love walking through the auction and just looking at all the things, and I mean you just outdo yourselves every single time. Well, we love the party, but I want to talk about the mission. Let's talk about any stories or statistics that you can share of how these funds have helped with cancer research.

Speaker 2: 9:19

Take that one. So you know, I think that's been something that we've learned more about as chairs, and just sort of where our money goes and who we're funding and what projects we're funding. And a large portion of that is coming is staying right here in the community at UT Southwestern, which we're really proud of, and in addition, we've actually been working on our Power Raise mission. Again, having such a successful year last year, we wanted to have something equally as moving and motivating to people to support, so we'll be sharing details on that soon on our social media, but we have an amazingly deserving family who will be helping us with that mission.

Speaker 1: 9:59

Oh good, I love that it's staying here locally in our community. That's good to hear. Well, what would you have to say to somebody that has not been to Cattlebear and Spall and they think it's just a party? That's the main thing that they've heard about.

Speaker 3: 10:11

I mean it definitely is a party, but it almost feels like a music festival in a sense, where there's so much activity to do, so lots of drinks, we have casino. I mean you just have to get there early to really experience everything that the whole night has to offer.

Speaker 2: 10:32

And no matter how much you try to do it all, we almost make it. So it's impossible to do it all, and we want you to come back the following year and try to do the things you missed.

Speaker 1: 10:40

Yeah that's a good point. Like when you travel, you don't always get to see everything in the city that you're visiting, and it just makes you want to go back and discover the things that you may not have experienced before Exactly Well, are there any behind-the scenes moments? I know that there's a team of 100 amazing women that put this on every year. Any funny behind the scene moments that have?

Speaker 2: 11:02

happened set-up day to organize the group picture and you know, I think we were all wondering how are these group pictures going to go now that Marjan is a past ball chair? We have managed, but in a little quieter way. But Marjan, I think, gets that title for like the behind-the-scenes, like somehow magically delegated to be our picture organizer.

Speaker 1: 11:34

Well, we had her on the show last year and she is definitely a take charge lady. I could just see her orchestrating 100 women all perfectly. That's so great. I love it. Well, this is Dallas, of course, and we love our fashion here, and I have to say that Cattle Barons is definitely a fashion show. That is like one of my favorite parts of it is just sitting back and looking at all these beautiful things the jewelry, the outfits, the boots. Of course. Let's talk fashion. What should people wear?

Speaker 3: 12:02

Well, the great thing about cattle parents is that anything goes. That is so true, it really is. I mean, you can dress up, you can wear jeans. You have to wear your cowboy boots because we are on a ranch so it's easier to get around in. But it's just, you know, especially being October 25th, we'll be able to lean into maybe more jackets, more leather, more suede. It'll just be a fun year to maybe put on those jackets, yeah, and our all-cylinders theme.

Speaker 2: 12:29

We've kind of paired with a lot of guitar logos and some of the decor will also reflect that. So anything with a little rock and roll edge, we think would be fun to kind of bring a new element into this year's attire.

Speaker 1: 12:41

Sure, the things that stand out to me is just lots of sparkles. You know, you see people in formal dresses, jeans like what you were saying, nina and just beautiful turquoise jewelry Like there's no such thing as too much turquoise, right? No, it's pretty fun to see. Yeah, it's amazing. Well, do you have any suggestions of where people can shop to outfit themselves?

Speaker 2: 13:06

You know there's so many angles to take this we love and we have so many wonderful partners, so to make specific recommendations is tough. But you know you can't miss North Park Center, highland Park Village, neiman Marcus, to name a few. And as far as boots, we again have so many wonderful partners in that arena as well. One of our raffle donors this year is Lou Casey, and actually maybe you should buy a raffle ticket and you could win yourself two pair of boots.

Speaker 1: 13:33

Oh my gosh, that would be amazing. I would love that. Well, I may put something together with just links, because there's no shortage of places to buy all these wonderful things in this town, so I may put something together for everyone. That would be awesome. Finding an oral surgeon is hard enough for yourself, and when it comes to your kids it can feel impossible. We suggest our friends at Stuart and Orango, because, from emergencies to wisdom teeth and everything in between, they have you. Friends at Stuart and Narango because, from emergencies to wisdom teeth and everything in between, they have you covered.

Speaker 1: 13:59

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Speaker 3: 14:59

Yes, I'm happy to. So we are going to open the doors for VIP a little bit earlier this year, so it will be at 530. Okay, and that VIP reception will go until about 637. And then we will have our VIP performer come on and then live auction will start around 8, 8.30. And then the tent opens about 10 o'clock and main performer comes at 10.30. And we're gonna do the after party a little bit later, so it'll go from 12 to one. We're gonna get people home a little bit earlier, start a little earlier, leave a little earlier, because it's just gonna be a long fun day.

Speaker 2: 15:39

We don't want to miss that golden hour of pictures either, so that's why we're starting it a little bit earlier. So if you come out on the early side that 530-ish, you'll get that perfect lighting out at the ranch.

Speaker 1: 15:48

That's a good point. I hadn't even thought about that. Yeah, it's all about the photos out there. I photos out there.

Speaker 2: 15:57

I mean, you will just see so many things on social media. We're really excited about some of next year's photo opportunities, Like we think we've come up with some creative fun things. So you'll want to bring your phone and your camera. Okay, I love that.

Speaker 1: 16:05

I love that. Well, what about tips and tricks of just how to navigate the night, what to expect as far as food lines and how we can make the most of our evening?

Speaker 2: 16:16

Yeah, so you know, we really do try to make it easy for everyone by having enough bars and food that you shouldn't have to wait very long for anything. Last year was actually, I think, beyond excellent that way that the lines for the bars were very minimal. There's food available in multiple locations so that lines never get too long. During the VIP option we have lots of grab and go items so that you don't miss the VIP show, and then there's also food in silent auction. So when people arrive to look at items there, there's food available so that you can do that while you're looking. There's a huge buffet outside.

Speaker 2: 16:52

So if you were looking for something a little heavier for the evening, you didn't eat before. You have that option outside. So if you were looking for something a little heavier for the evening, you didn't eat before. You have that option. And then there's also food actually in the very back of the venue. So lots and lots of food, lots and lots of drinks. I think the no-miss event is I mean obviously the entertainment piece, but the live auction itself. If you've never been to Cal Barons, you just can't leave without seeing live auction and just the energy. We're also happy to share that. So Letitia Fry, who was our auctioneer last year, will be back this year and really commands the room, brings so much passion and energy to the cause as she is a cancer survivor herself.

Speaker 1: 17:32

Oh, okay, great. Yeah, I love the live auction. One of my favorite things to see is you always have a package with some of the best chefs in Dallas and they are so passionate and just absolutely love supporting cattle barons and they raise a ton of money, and so much so that usually they'll end up splitting it and offering two packages, two packages and when they come off that stage. We've interviewed them and they're just on cloud nine Like they're just so happy that they were able to come together like that and raise that amount of money for the cause.

Speaker 3: 18:05

Yeah, it's pretty neat to see, and they've been such great loyal partners for so many years. No, they absolutely love it.

Speaker 2: 18:13

Well, and they kind of embody what makes a successful live auction item, which is something that you just can't go out and purchase yourself. Trying to get all of these people in the room together to put on a meal together is so, so special, so we think that's why it's so, so popular.

Speaker 1: 18:29

Yes, and we've gotten such a kick out of hearing where they've had some of the dinners. You get to choose the location and the theme and then they'll put it together, but they've flown to the top of Aspen Mountain before to host a dinner and they love talking about that.

Speaker 1: 18:44

Yes, they've done some very special meals for people, so it's at South Fork again, right, you moved it out there a couple of years ago from Gillies and that's a ton of fun to be out there, but it's a little bit of a hike, isn't it? A little bit of a drive. So what suggestions do you have for people to get out there safely?

Speaker 2: 19:01

Yeah, so you're absolutely right, you have to get yourself to Parker. There's a handful of different ways to do that, and we definitely encourage rideshare, alto, uber, whatever your preferred method is. There's also, obviously, party buses. We also have valet available for those who want to come park themselves. Lots of different ways to get out to South Fork. And, believe it or not, it's closer than it seems.

Speaker 1: 19:27

It really isn't bad. It does seem far away, but you know, once you get on the highway, especially at that time of day, it's not bad at all.

Speaker 3: 19:34

No, it's not, and Jack Bowles has been our partner for Valet for so many years, so they really divide and conquer and make it as smooth as possible for everyone.

Speaker 1: 19:43

They do an excellent job in the way that you have it set up. We have never had a problem getting in and out, and so that makes it super, super easy. Well, so it always takes a lot of sponsors to put on events like this. Do you have anyone that you would like to give a shout out to?

Speaker 2: 19:59

So our presenting sponsor is Texas Oncology, who are so grateful for their support, and we actually have a new sponsor this year, actually an entertainment sponsor, and that is the White Rhino Foundation. Oh, nice, like the coffee.

Speaker 1: 20:15

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Speaker 1: 20:25

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Speaker 3: 21:32

You know it really is an amazing group to be a part of and to have this. You know, 51 years of Passball Chairs, 2, with all this love and support throughout the years and continuing to go with it, but to become a member. Just, you know, if you have, if you know someone that is a member, reach out to them and ask them how to get involved, and they would be more than happy to answer any questions.

Speaker 2: 21:53

And you know the great part of our committee is. It's women from all different walks of life. You know, we have women who have already raised their children. We have women who are in our mothers with young children. We have women who, you know again, are working full time, juggling a million other commitments, who make time to make this also a part of their life and prioritize the sisterhood that really is our organization. We're very proud of that mix. There's really no one type of person who is a Cattle Barons Ball member. I think that's the beauty of it too, and we've, I think, gotten to know everybody on a deeper level this year and you really value just the depth of the people who are in the organization.

Speaker 1: 22:38

Well, that's definitely one of my most favorite parts about it, because I always say when women come together, they can conquer the world.

Speaker 1: 22:45

And this is the perfect example, because you guys are working year round around the clock and just putting your heart and soul into this, and it's worth it. Everything is just amazing, from all the details to the amount of money you raise, to all the good that it's doing, and I just love it. Well, let's try something fun. I've never done this before, but let's have a lightning round of some questions. Here we go. What is your favorite cattlebearance moment ever?

Speaker 3: 23:18

You know, courtney and I were talking about this yesterday but one of our sponsors, really for years, he got serenaded by Shania Twain, so that was a very fun moment to see.

Speaker 2: 23:27

Oh, I love that. I bet that was amazing. He embraced the moment fully and it was just very.

Speaker 1: 23:32

it was a fun moment to witness and very memorable I can only imagine who is a dream artist you'd love to see headline one day.

Speaker 2: 23:41

So the truth is is that Nina and I, when we found out we were chairing together, we really wanted music and the artists that we recruited to do this event to be special, because we knew it would just make the entire year more special, and so we are pleased to say that we have obtained our dream artist for 2025. And so our dream artist we will announce on May 14th.

Speaker 1: 24:04

Oh, my gosh. Okay, I don't know if I can wait. I'm so excited. So how do you even go about getting these artists, like is it fairly easy to get to them or is it kind of hard?

Speaker 3: 24:14

You, know we do. We do have a great booking agent that we work with. Yes. And it's been behind us, yes, but it's been really fun to learn the process and really be step in step with them. I mean it's been amazing. We have Brantwood helping us and my husband is actually an entertainment attorney, so he's been helping a little bit too, and we love having our team entertainment team. It's been amazing.

Speaker 1: 24:41

Okay. So it's a little bit more than just sending Keith Urban a DM on Instagram. There's a little bit more of a formal process.

Speaker 3: 24:47

it sounds like yeah but the great thing is is that all these, a lot of these artists know about Cattle Barons because people have played in the past and they rave about playing, and so it's a community. It's a small community really, and so it really is neat to hear If you get the chance, you've got to play it.

Speaker 1: 25:07

Okay, yes, you definitely build up quite the reputation for this event, and I love that so much. Well, let's end with just reminding everyone the date, the time where it is all the details Yep.

Speaker 2: 25:18

So the main event will be Saturday, October 25th 2025. So easy to remember. At South Fork Ranch for VIP, access will be at 530. General admission will be seven and we hope you can make it and mark your calendars now. Perfect.

Speaker 1: 25:36

And, as always, I will include a link so you don't have to remember everything. Well, ladies, thank you so much for taking the time to join me today. This was so fun to hear about this year's event. I can't wait for October 25th. Thank you so much. Thank you, Martha. That's been another episode of the Bubble Lounge. I'm Martha Jackson and I'll see you next time.