Get to Know…Andrea Cheek and Isabell Novakov Higginbotham with Cattle Baron’s Ball

ISABELL NOVAKOV HIGGINBOTHAM AND ANDREA CHEEK, CATTLE BARON’S BALL CHAIRS

Please explain the Cattle Baron’s Ball mission and how you got involved with the organization.

Cattle Baron’s Ball is the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society worldwide. The event has raised over $93 million in its 50-year history for cancer research right here in North Texas. The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

Andrea Cheek: Before I was a member of Cattle Baron’s, I attended the event as a donor and supporter. Unfortunately, cancer has directly impacted several of my family members and friends. As a mother of two young children, I will do everything I can to make sure we find a cure for cancer in their lifetime!

Isabell Novakov Higginbotham: Much like Andrea, I attended and supported the cause before becoming a member. I am also a mother of two young children. Cattle Baron’s Ball funds cutting-edge cancer research right here in North Texas with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for this terrible disease. My family has certainly been affected by cancer, and trying to help find a cure so that other families and my children are not impacted by cancer is important to me.

Tell us a little about yourselves and your background.

AC: I grew up in the small town of Stephenville, and Dallas has been my home for almost 16 years. I am a former restaurant owner who now spends my days raising my two children and volunteering throughout the Dallas community.

INH: I am a third-generation Dallasite. I work professionally and enjoy volunteering through many community organizations. I spend what free time I have with my husband and our two young children.

What makes Cattle Baron’s Ball so special and impactful to the Dallas community?

The first Cattle Baron’s Ball was a full-fledged Texas barbecue with over 500 guests at Toddie Lee Wynne’s Star Brand Ranch. Through ticket sales and the auction, the inaugural event raised $56,000. Today, the Ball hosts more than 3,000 guests and raises millions each year. There are now 20 Cattle Baron’s Balls nationwide, all supporting the American Cancer Society. The Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball was the very first and is the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society worldwide!

What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Cattle Baron’s Ball organization?

Cattle Baron’s is an organization of 100 women working together to put on the Ball and numerous events throughout the year leading up to the main event on October 14th! Our volunteers truly do everything, including fundraising, gathering live and silent auction items, planning event logistics, and even placing more than 3,000 chairs for the Ball the day before. It’s one of the hardest working groups of women you will meet! In addition to our dedication, we enjoy the camaraderie and the many friendships we have made. While we work extremely hard, we also enjoy being together and having a little fun!

How does support from community partners like Highland Park Village help Cattle Baron’s Ball have a greater impact?

The Dallas community is so generous, and we couldn’t raise the money we do without our many underwriting and auction donors. Highland Park Village continues to support Cattle Baron’s Ball by sponsoring our event wristbands annually. In addition, we receive several auction items from the fabulous retailers and restaurants that call Highland Park Village home. Check out the Highland Park Village section of our silent auction, which is available for everyone to bid beginning Monday, October 9th!

What are some ways people in North Texas can get involved with the Cattle Baron’s Ball?

There are several ways to support Cattle Baron’s Ball and the American Cancer Society without attending the Ball. Our silent auction will go live online beginning Monday, October 9th, with more than 600 auction items. You do not need to attend the Ball to bid or win!

At each Cattle Baron’s Ball, we have a Paddle Raise to raise additional funds for a specific cancer grant or need. This year’s Paddle Raise is dedicated to Ava Danuser. Ava was diagnosed at the age of 13 with a rare bone cancer, Ewing Sarcoma. As of today, Ava is cancer-free. We will raise money to help fund a grant specifically for Ewing Sarcoma in honor of Ava.

To commemorate our 50th Anniversary and on behalf of Ava, our goal is to raise at least $500,000 to fund an Ewing Sarcoma grant. Donate to the Paddle Raise before the Ball on the Cattle Baron’s Ball website, www.cattlebaronsball.com.

Lastly, where would we most likely find you in Highland Park Village?

AC: I am always popping into Madison or St. Michael’s Women’s Exchange for a gift or something fun for my home. If I’m having lunch with friends, you’ll find me at Café Pacific, and if I’m with my family, we’re at Mi Cocina with a bowl of queso!

INH: Everywhere! There are so many fabulous establishments it is hard to narrow it down. Every Saturday and Sunday, we walk to Highland Park Village as a family. Our daughter especially likes to admire all of the fabulous window displays.

Highland Park Village is proud to spotlight our very own dynamic personalities and community partners in the Village Voices series. Get to know our past features.