Over 800 people rode into the wild west to draw their arms in the duel against cancer at the 2017 Gold Rush, American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida. This event featured a gourmet dine around by Central Florida’s finest chefs, restaurants and resorts, tasty libations, live country and pop entertainment, silent and live auctions, interactive activities and dancing.
Cancer has touched many lives throughout the world; whether survivor, fighter, friend or family of a survivor or fighter, chances are you know someone who has suffered from the disease. The fight against cancer can be overwhelming, from understanding your diagnoses to finding the right treatment options, many stressful questions arise. And there to answer those questions is the American Cancer Society (AMS). In Florida alone they’ve taken over 34,200 requests for information, given more than 31,800 rides to and from treatment, and helped more than 500 patients navigate the healthcare system.
The Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel which boasts four heated pools, two hot tubs, tennis courts, a basketball court, and nature trails hosted this year’s American Cancer Society Cattle Barons Ball, a fundraiser for childhood cancer research. Attendees began checking in at six o’clock and then browsed auction options before placing bids in the silent auction. The Cattle Baron’s Ball is the largest single night fundraiser for the ACS, and this year more funds were raised than any previous year.
Blue Stone Circle, house band at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville at Universal Studios’ Orlando, played some country jams while attendees danced and made their way around the Feature Presentation, FOOD! And lots of it. Gourmet dining stations from some of Orlando’s best restaurants were giving out their finest Cattle Baron dishes, some of which are listed below.
STK Orlando combining a modern steak house and chic lounge to create a dining experience like no other tantalized guests with their Dried Aged Prime Strip on a bed of Zellwood Sweet Corn Pudding with Pickled Fresno Chiles.
Yak and Yeti a quaint village home turned restaurant at the base of Expedition Everest in Disney wowed spice lovers with their Seafood Sriracha Mac n Cheese topped with a Butter Poached Shrimp.
Creativity is flowing at Cafe Tu Tu Tango and not just in the food (Vegan pineapple kimchi tacos). Local artists paint and display their work throughout the restaurant transporting diners to a time when artists found inspiration and community by sharing food, drinks, and philosophy.
Dishing out Smoked Beef Brisket Salad with Mojito-Lime Shrimp, Chickpeas, Pickled Red Onions, Chicharron Dust, and Cilantro BBQ Vinaigrette was CFL’s Leading food purveyor Sysco.
Once stomachs were full and dancers were tired, the MC called for everyone to take their seats for a special presentation about a family who’s three year old son had brain cancer. They had been through some terrible times, but the American Cancer Society helped them with the support they needed to make it through. A live auction was then held to raise funds for AMS so they can continue to help families in need.
It was beautiful to see so many people come together to show cancer who’s boss. Through all of the sadness and heartache that comes with battling cancer, AMS is there for anyone who needs it. And tonight, hundreds of people came out to support the organization that has been there for so many.
Special thanks to the featured restaurants for preparing a wonderful feast for the hungry cowboys and cowgirls and our staff writer Sam Schaffer.
Food
A Land Remembered at Rosen Shingle Creek
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Café Tu Tu Tango
Cala Bella Restaurant at Rosen Shingle Creek
Capa at Four Seasons Resort
Curb Side Chef Food Truck
Empress Sissi Cake & Pastry Specialties
Everglades at Rosen Centre
Florida Nitro
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Fresh Point
Jack’s Place at Rosen Plaza
John & Shirley’s Catering
Nestle´ Professional
Reunion Resort
Rosen Shingle Creek
Savor… at Osceola Heritage Park
STK Orlando
Sysco
Tapa Toro
Taverna Opa
Vital Flair Catering
Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen at JW Marriott
Yak & Yeti
Beverages
ABC Fine Wine and Spirits
Breakthru Beverage Florida
Crooked Can Brewery
Florida Distributing Company
Nestle´ Waters
NJoy Spirits
Orange Blossom Brewery
Orlando Brewing
Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits
Starbucks
Tito’s Handmade Vodka