The Cattle Baron’s Ball in Northern Colorado is the premier Western Style fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS), funding cancer research and resources in the region. Since the event’s humble beginnings 30 years ago, the local Ball has raised more than $9 million to support efforts against cancer. In 2021, among more than 160 gala events ACS hosted across the country, the Northern Colorado Cattle Baron’s Ball ranked as the seventh highest grossing event, following after major metro markets such as San Francisco, St. Louis, and Dallas.
Rachel Befort, Senior Development Manager at the American Cancer Society, said the ACS funds millions of dollars toward cancer research grants in Colorado, ensuring we continue to progress in the fight to save lives. Meet some of the key players dedicated to Northern Colorado’s annual Cattle Baron’s Ball.
Kaye Monfort
More than 30 years ago, the Director of the ACS pitched Kaye Monfort to start the Cattle Baron’s Ball in Northern Colorado. Being no stranger to the livestock industry, western way of life, and helping others, the idea resonated with Kaye. “Of course, I loved the idea because it would be for cancer research, education, and help for local cancer patients,” said Kaye. “I also loved the western/cattle/cowboy element of it.” While the Cattle Barron’s Ball has evolved over the past 30 years, Kaye most appreciates how much money it continues to raise thanks to the generous Northern Colorado community.
Jim & Kirsten Humphrey
Jim and Kirsten Humphrey first attended the Cattle Baron’s Ball 20 years ago with some friends and were hooked. They have served behind the scenes on committees and as site hosts in 2020 and 2021. This year, Jim and Kirsten hold three roles, serving as presenting sponsors, chairs, and site hosts.
Jim and Kirsten have family members and friends affected by cancer, which is a big reason they support the ACS. “Whether it’s happened to you, or someone you know, there probably isn’t anyone that isn’t touched by cancer in some way,” said Kirsten. What Jim and Kirsten love the most about the Cattle Baron’s Ball is sharing it with friends. “Each year, we add more tables and more friends,” said Kirsten. “It’s special to share in the experience and be surrounded by people who care about cancer as much as we do.”
Clay & Raechel Drake
Clay and Raechel Drake started attending the Cattle Baron’s Ball 25 years ago and have served on several committees and are serving as chairs for next year’s ball. “We’ve had the opportunity in the past, but now the timing felt right,” said Clay. Clay was diagnosed with incurable but treatable cancer in 2015, which has further fueled his passion for the Cattle Baron’s Ball and raising funds for the ACS. “The medication that I’ve taken to treat my cancer would not have been possible if it weren’t for the ACS,” said Clay.
Attending the Cattle Baron’s Ball brought everything full circle for Clay. His favorite part of the ball is the personal connections and relationships he makes while supporting the ACS. Raechel loves the buzz and excitement beforehand, but is most in awe and touched by how many people give generously to support the ACS.
Richard & Linda Winter
Richard and Linda have attended the ball since its inception. Linda served on the Board of the ACS for 20 years and facilitated the Look Good, Feel Better program, providing classes for women going through treatment. The classes taught women how to cope with the challenges and how to feel more normal during their health journey while having a little fun.
As the owner of Accessories with a Flair, a hair salon and boutique in downtown Greeley, Linda’s favorite aspect of the ball is helping ladies pick out their Western Chic clothes for the night. Linda also donates items from her boutique for the silent auction. “We are so lucky that a group of philanthropists created the Cattle Baron's Ball 30 years ago and have made sure it is the best in the West.” said Linda. “You see old friends and make new ones as you support a great cause!”
Jerri & Mark (Gus) Gustafson
Jerri and Gus remember going to the very first Cattle Baron’s Ball 30 years ago, featuring Toby Keith before he became a well-known artist. “We’ve had so much love for the Cattle Baron’s Ball ever since the first one,” said Jerri. As avid supporters of the ball, it became more personal to Jerri and Gus after each of them went through their own cancer journeys. Jerri and Gus each discovered they had cancer through routine screenings. Gus discovered his cancer in 2005, while Jerri discovered her cancer four years ago. “We suddenly became more tuned into the main objective of the ball – raising funds for cancer research, treatment, and information in Northern Colorado,” said Gus.
Gus said that the amount of cancer support and resources in Northern Colorado are great, thanks to the ACS and generous donors. “When you participate in the Cattle Baron’s Ball, you help fund cancer resources, right here in Northern Colorado,” said Gus. Jerri and Gus enjoy the fun and camaraderie at the ball while raising funds for a great cause.
Wendy Sparks
Wendy has been involved in the Cattle Baron’s Ball for several years and has served on the committee that secures sponsors for the event. As the Chief Operations Officer at Banner Health Northern Colorado, she has seen firsthand the impact that the fundraiser brings to the region. “The American Cancer Society’s work around research, support for cancer patients, and education to the community are priceless,” said Wendy. As much as the ACS has impacted Northern Colorado, the community support that comes from the Cattle Baron’s Ball is invaluable. “The dollars raised always amazes me and is a testament to how our community feels about the work of the ACS,” said Wendy. Wendy appreciates that there are several ways to join the fun of the Cattle Baron’s Ball while supporting a great cause. You can buy a ticket to the event, donate an item for the auction, purchase from the auction, or volunteer.
Warren & Julie Yoder
Julie and Warren Yoder were chairs of the Cattle Baron’s Ball in 2018 and felt it was a special way to honor friends. Julie and Warren were nervous about the task of chairing such a large event, but the timing was perfect. “We had just lost a treasured friend to cancer and were walking through the cancer journey with another friend,” said Julie. “I felt helpless, and I was ready to do whatever it took to help fight this life-altering disease.”
Julie and Warren remain involved in the Cattle Baron’s Ball and are passionate about supporting the ACS. Although the fun atmosphere, great food, and live music are always impressive, Julie’s favorite part of the Cattle Baron’s Ball is watching how generous everyone truly is. “We live in an amazing community where everyone pulls together and helps those in need,” said Julie. “It never ceases to amaze me the amount of money given in one night to this very worthy cause.”
The Cattle Baron’s Ball honors cancer survivors, caregivers, donors, volunteers, and life. This year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball includes a cocktail reception, gourmet steak dinner, silent and live auctions, prize drawings, a private live concert with LOCASH, and dancing under the tent! The Northern Colorado Cattle Baron’s Ball celebrates our heritage of agriculture, livestock, and the western way of life while giving to a wonderful cause and making a difference in people’s lives in our community.
