By Christopher Trela & Catherine Del Casale | NB Indy
It’s not often we get to dress down to attend a charity event, but the 15th OC Barons Ball, dubbed “Boots on the Beach,” was a western-themed affair held at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, so we donned western duds and joined nearly 200 people for an evening of fun games and fine food to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Danny Memphis & the Extraordinaires provided the entertainment while guests dined on western fare including clam chowder, steak, potatoes, veggies, and an assortment of deserts.
Several carnival-like games helped raise money while offering the chance to win bottles of wine, raffle tickets, and other prizes.
Auction items included a cruise in a private jet donated by Clay Lacy Aviation, a week in a luxury home on Sunset Beach, a $9,000 Corum watch, a week in a Palm Desert home with a round of golf for four, a “Lucy & Desi” style Chocolate Party, and a week in Branson, Missouri.
Sponsors included Don and Ellen Goodwin, Bobbitt and Bill Williams, and Steve and Brenda Sherwood. Bobbitt Williams was also the superstar Underwriting Chair this year.
Baron’s Ball Chair Margo Ferris and OC Barons’ League President Kay Burra said the event raised $150,000, a 100 percent increase from last year. Proceeds fund the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving research, educational programs, advocacy and patient services like wigs and transportation to doctor appointments. To date, the volunteers of the OC Barons’ League have raised nearly $5 million in the fight against cancer.
“I really enjoyed the casual atmosphere of this gala,” said Catherine. “It made it stand out from many other Newport Beach galas with the western attire, interactive games and multitude of silent auction items. The ring toss was my favorite game, not just because I won a bottle of wine on my first toss, but because it was a great way to keep people coming back to donate money to benefit the American Cancer Society.”
