About 300 revelers pulled on their "special occasion" cowboy boots and clasped their classiest turquoise necklaces for Fort Worth's buzziest Western-chic gala of the year, Cowtown Ball.

Now in its 32nd year, the 2025 edition of the American Cancer Society fundraiser scooted to the Fort Worth Stockyards and took up residence at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall the evening of Friday, September 26.

Sponsors and VIPs arrived an hour early, to a party hosted by Rick Maxey and Gary Blake (and were treated to complimentary valet parking in front of venue, the happiest of perks for anyone who's lined up down the street for the usual $28 weekend Stockyards valet).

Party-goers could enjoy Texas-style apps, tray-passed margaritas and old fashioneds, mug for a 360-degree interactive photo booth, and get a customized hat from the Flea Style hat bar.

The VIP party was held in the Tannahill's lounge before the main event began in the music hall.Photo by Canon Elizabeth Photography

Early arrivals also got first dibs in the silent auction for dozens of creative items, from local hotel and entertainment packages to artwork, jewelry, an airplane ride, spa services, sports tickets, and more. (Bidders checked their phones conscientiously throughout the night, until the auction ended precisely at 10 pm.) Attendees could also try their luck in a "Booze Choose" liquor bottle pull.

When the masses arrived, the crowd made its way into the music hall for the main proceedings. A buffet dinner featured cuisine from Tannahill's owner, chef Tim Love, and included skirt steak with grilled green beans; smoked pecan chicken and cheddar grits; pork belly bites with Yukon mashed potatoes; and sweet potato chile relleno. (No rattlesnake meat, though - Love saved that delicacy for the "Rattle Battle" chef-showdown he hosted the next day.) Attentive servers never let wine or cocktail glasses run dry.

Attendees play heads or tails.Photo by Canon Elizabeth Photography

Mistress of ceremonies, CBS 11's Madison Sawyer, welcomed guests and underscored the importance of the evening to the ACS's mission to fight cancer in the greater Fort Worth community.

A rousing game of "Heads or Tails" got most of the two-story room on its feet. Then a live auction of luxury trips and experiences conducted by auctioneer Trey Morris really got the crowd cheering. Paddles flew fast and furiously around the room, and bids soared into the tens of thousands.

The hottest items included a vacation to Telluride ($15,000), a luxury Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo experience ($20,000), a getaway to Seaside, Florida ($12,000) and a VIP Experience at next year's Cowtown Ball (sold twice, for $15,000 each).

Sainty Nelsen and Trey Morris conduct a special paddle raise initiative.Photo by Canon Elizabeth Photography

The emotional high point of the evening came, however, when award-winning actress, cancer survivor, and Fort Worth resident Sainty Nelsen, listed as "Cure Champion" for the event (and attending with her husband, 1883 actor Eric Nelsen), encouraged the crowd to give generously - whether $25,000 or $2,500 - in a "paddle raise" initiative.

Folks did feel generous. In total, the paddle raise brought in $167,000, it was announced from stage.

There was just enough time to stretch legs, visit with friends, and refill drinks before the music amped up and breakout country artist Max McNown took the stage as the night's featured entertainer.

Max McNown entertains on the Tannahill's stage.Photo by Canon Elizabeth Photography

McNown is best known for his breakout hit “A Lot More Free,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart and the TikTok Breakthrough USA chart. Guests danced near the stage and sang along during McNown's high-energy set. Those who made a late night of it refueled with cheeseburger sliders and parm fries at 11 pm before fetching their cars from valet.

The appropriately themed "Stampede in the Stockyards" gala trampled fundraising goals, bringing in $685,000 for American Cancer Society's local patient services — including lodging and transportation for those undergoing cancer treatment — along with cancer research and screenings.

"A record-breaking night," the organization posted on social media. "Since its start in 1993, the Cowtown Ball has raised over $8.5 million for the American Cancer Society in Fort Worth. Funds are used to find cures, help people get well, stay well and fight back against cancer in our community."

Among those responsible for the successful night were Jim Brown, vice president, American Cancer Society Dallas/Fort Worth; Cowtown Ball co-advisory chairs Christian Burton and Virginia Durham Carter; ACS staff Loren Baker and Stephanie Kelly; Cowtown Ball committee chairs Beth Barber, Cyndi Bishop, Jennifer Crossland, Chris Ferrell, Rebecca Kirkman, Christina Lemanski, Monti Shabout, and Leah Vahrenkamp-Brown; dozens of committee members; presenting sponsor Texas Oncology and entertainment sponsor The Dove Foundation; and hundreds of patrons and supporters.

Photo by Canon Elizabeth Photography

Sainty Nelson, Eric Nelsen