AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S LEE COUNTY CATTLE BARON’S BALL SHATTERS RECORDS WITH $725,000 RAISED TO FIGHT CANCER
NAPLES, Fla. (November 13, 2025) — The American Cancer Society’s Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball lassoed record-breaking success this year, raising an extraordinary $725,000 – a full $200,000 more than last year– to fuel lifesaving cancer research and strengthen the Collier & Lee Counties Health Equity Fund, ensuring more families across Southwest Florida have access to the care they need.
“Breaking records is always exciting, but what truly makes this moment special is what it means for our community. Every dollar raised helps to improve the lives of people living with cancer and their families in our community and beyond,” said Wendy Johnson, American Cancer Society Vice President – Florida. “Southwest Florida families facing a cancer diagnosis will have better access to care, more nights of free lodging, more rides to treatment, and more hope. This incredible success shows what’s possible when our community unites to make sure no one faces cancer alone.”
A Local Investment in Health Equity
Of the total raised, $161,000 will directly support the Collier & Lee Counties Health Equity Fund, a groundbreaking local initiative created in 2023 to reduce cancer disparities by expanding access to screenings, education, and patient navigation. The fund supports partnerships with organizations such as Lee Health’s Cancer Support Community and Premier Mobile Health Services to bring prevention and early detection resources directly to neighborhoods across Southwest Florida.
In 2024, these efforts reached more than 1,000 Collier and Lee County residents, provided 718 one-on-one cancer screening evaluations, and referred 251 individuals for further testing for colorectal, breast, lung, and prostate cancers: all thanks to community generosity.
“Lee Health Cancer Institute’s long-standing partnership with American Cancer Society is invaluable,” said Deb Wilson, Lee Health Center Institute VP of Operations Oncology Services. “Together, we are increasing our patients and families’ quality of life and providing hope during one of the most vulnerable journeys of life. We can’t thank ACS enough for their continue support.”
Record Results Across the Board
Funds from the 21st Annual Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball also sustain ACS’s nationwide mission of improving the lives of people with cancer and their families through research, advocacy, and essential patient services.
In 2024 alone, ACS provided 2,798 free nights of lodging at its Hope Lodge Tampa for 117 patients and caregivers from Collier and Lee counties, a 54 percent increase from 2023 and saving families more than $545,000 in housing costs. ACS also coordinated 2,837 rides to treatment for 635 patients, serving 53 percent more individuals than the year before.
A Night to Remember
This year’s sold-out gala drew more than 635 guests who gave generously through spirited live and silent auctions, featuring everything from a custom African safari experience and luxurious all-inclusive Wyoming getaway to a private meet-and-greet with NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain at Daytona International Speedway.
The event was chaired by Jessica Foster and Maria Mandala, leading a female-driven volunteer committee of 45 members dedicated to elevating the evening’s mission and success.
“This event is a true reflection of what can happen when a community comes together with heart and purpose,” said Maria Mandala, Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball Committee Co-chair. “Our committee poured countless hours, creativity, and passion into every detail, but the real magic came from the way everyone lifted one another up. We showed that when we stand together, we can change the reality of cancer care right here at home.”
Save the Date
The 22nd Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, promising another unforgettable night of inspiration, generosity, and Western-themed fun in support of the fight against cancer.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or how to get involved, visit leecattlebarons.com or contact Nina Gasparrini, Associate Director of Development at (239) 321-5018 or [email protected].