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JULY 2026
LASSOING HOPE: Tyler Cattle Baron's Ball Rides High for the American Cancer Society The nicknames of all 50 states
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Lassoing Hope: Tyler Cattle Baron's Ball Rides High for the American Cancer Society Story by P A U L A J I M E N E Z
P h ot o s b y JAMIE GOODE STUDIOS
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he Tyler Cattle Baron's 38th Annual Ball, benefiting the American Cancer Society, transformed the W.T. Brookshires Center into a vibrant hub of celebration and purpose, where boots met bling, and hope soared. infinitieplus Magazine was honored to serve as the Elite VIP Media Sponsor, capturing extraordinary moments while supporting a meaningful cause. This year’s theme, “Mount Up with Wings Like Eagles,” set an inspiring tone for the evening, encouraging attendees to rise above challenges and unite in the fight against cancer. As guests arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as everyone prepared for a night filled with East Texas fun. VIP guests were welcomed at 6:00 p.m. by the exceptional staff of Villa Montez and 1836 Texas Kitchen, who circulated through the crowd with an enticing variety of hors d’oeuvres, zesty ceviche, artfully curated meats and cheeses, and other gourmet bites. The food was a hit from the very start, with compliments flowing and guests raving about the service and flavors.
Leza Kirksey Dinner followed shortly after, with a buffet-style showcasing an impressive array of culinary delights and mouthwatering options. Praise for the catering team continued throughout the evening. Next, the celebration continued with the merriment
Tyler CBB Volunteers: Alma Salmeron, Drusila Rivas, David Campos, Sherri Taylor, Javier Seanx, Tristan Lopez and Wendy Najera and exhilaration of the Baron and pig races, fostering laughter and friendly competition among guests. Attention then turned to the heart of the evening: the introduction of the “Champions of Hope.” These dedicated individuals from across East Texas each shared a personal story of
triumph, love, and resilience in the face of cancer. Whether overcoming their own diagnosis or supporting a loved one, the Champions inspired the crowd and rallied support for cancer research and patient services. This year’s program featured the introduction of the
American Cancer Society receiving donation from Lake Tyler Association 2026 Lil Wrangler, hometown resident Alexus “Lexie” Neptune, affectionately known as “Giggles.” Diagnosed at age three with a rare brain tumor, Lexie has undergone nearly a dozen brain surgeries, countless sedations, radiation, and a lifechanging stroke. Thanks to the
generosity and enthusiasm at this year’s event, the fundraising goal was achieved, making a direct impact in the fight against cancer. Over the past three years, the Champions have collectively raised over $110,000, a testament to their passion for their local community. Contd. on Page 4
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COVER STORY
COVER STORY
Congratulations to Jayme Fitzpatrick being named as Baron of the Year. As the evening progressed, anticipation peaked with a spirited live auction. Attendees competed for remarkable items ranging from a luxurious Costa Rican getaway and an ultimate VIP private dining experience at Villa Montez to an Argentine dove-hunting adventure. This year’s winners included:
♦ Lil Wrangler Project: Justin Holt ♦ Dead Cat Ranch: Smith County Judge, Neal Franklin
Villa Montez at Tyler CBB
Tyler CBB attendees checking in
Jayme Fitzpatrick, Baron of the Year
♦ Dakota's Dinner: Wes White ♦ Dove Hunt (sold three times): 1. Michael Allare 2. Starla and Paul Bickerstaff 3. Bryanna and Brennon Eberhart ♦ Danny Nguyen Couture: Liz Ballard ♦ Villa Montez: Amy and Kenneth Fritcher
Amber and Luke Lockman To conclude the festivities, Little Texas delivered a highenergy, boot-stomping performance. Their unmistakable harmonies and timeless hits brought together multiple generations, from longtime fans to newcomers. The dance floor came alive as guests spun in circles, two-stepped, and kicked up their cowboy boots, hats tipped just right, singing along to classics like “God Blessed Texas.” It was a scene of pure country joy.
♦ Costa Rica: David Melton ♦ Napa Trip: Michael Allare
Villa Montez at Tyler CBB
Every dollar raised supports vital research and services for cancer patients and their families in our area. Following the auction, VIP guests enjoyed an exclusive meet-and-greet with the headline act, the legendary Little Texas Band, a once-ina-lifetime moment that left everyone grinning. Villa Montez at Tyler CBB
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Villa Montez at Tyler CBB
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COVER STORY
COVER STORY For those eager to relive the evening’s culinary highlights, Villa Montez offers its signature dining experience at their luxurious, mansion-style restaurant. Reservations are recommended. Villa Montez is open for dinner from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and from 5:00 to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. As the night drew to a close, guests departed with not only memories of a remarkable evening but also a renewed commitment to the cause. Special thanks go to the Tyler Cattle Baron's Ball volunteer
L-r: Bella Caldwell, Jammeshia Burgess, Ginger Cardwell, Joshua Johnson, Jill Johnson and Allison McKinney
Little Texas band electrify event
committee and the American Cancer Society staff for their dedication and hard work in organizing an exceptional event once again. Their efforts ensured every detail was thoughtfully executed, making the evening truly memorable for all in attendance. The Tyler Cattle Baron's Ball was a powerful reminder that, united by compassion and determination, hope truly can be championed—and lives can be changed for the better. Stay tuned for the announcement of next year’s date in support of the American Cancer Society.
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AMERICA @ 250
The nicknames of all 50 states
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he United States is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of total area. According to The World Factbook, the U.S. features more than 9.8 million square kilometers (roughly 3.8 million square miles), and the country’s terrain is as diverse as the people who call the nation home. There may be no better way to gain a feel for America and its inhabitants than getting behind the wheel and taking a road trip, but there’s many other ways to gain insight into what makes each state unique. Each state in the United States has at least one nickname, and those monikers can be a fun way to spark discussions and learn more about each of the 50 states that make up the country. z ALABAMA: Cotton State, Yellowhammer State z ALASKA: The Last Frontier z ARIZONA: Grand Canyon State z ARKANSAS: Natural State
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z CALIFORNIA: Golden State z COLORADO: Centennial State z CONNECTICUT: Nutmeg State, Constitution State z DELAWARE: The First State, Diamond State z FLORIDA: Sunshine State z GEORGIA: Peach State, Empire State of the South z HAWAII: Aloha State z IDAHO: Gem State z ILLINOIS: Prairie State, Land of Lincoln z INDIANA: Hoosier State z IOWA: Hawkeye State, Corn State z KANSAS: Sunflower State z KENTUCKY: Bluegrass State z LOUISIANA: Pelican State, Creole State, Sugar State z MAINE: Pine Tree State z MARYLAND: Free State, Old Line State
z MASSACHUSETTS: Bay State, Old Colony State z MICHIGAN: Wolverine State, Great Lake State z MINNESOTA: North Star State, Gopher State, Land of 10,000 Lakes, Land of Sky-Blue Waters z MISSISSIPPI: Magnolia State z MISSOURI: Show Me State z MONTANA: Treasure State, Big Sky Country z NEBRASKA: Cornhusker State, Beef State z NEVADA: Silver State, Sagebrush State, Battle Born State z NEW HAMPSHIRE: Granite State z NEW JERSEY: Garden State z NEW MEXICO: Land of Enchantment z NEW YORK: Empire State z NORTH CAROLINA: Tar Heel State, Old North State z NORTH DAKOTA: Flickertail State, Sioux State, Peace Garden State
z OHIO: Buckeye State z OKLAHOMA: Sooner State z OREGON: Beaver State z PENNSYLVANIA: Keystone State z RHODE ISLAND: Ocean State, Little Rhody z SOUTH CAROLINA: Palmetto State z SOUTH DAKOTA: The Mount Rushmore State z TENNESSEE: Volunteer State z TEXAS: Lone Star State z UTAH: Beehive State z VERMONT: Green Mountain State z VIRGINIA: The Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents z WASHINGTON: Evergreen State, Chinook State z WEST VIRGINIA: Mountain State z WISCONSIN: Badger State, America’s Dairyland z WYOMING: Equality State
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