The 14th Annual Catkins Ball raised a record amount of money for the Community Foundation of San Saba County. Funds raised from this annual event support the Community Foundation's various projects throughout San Saba County. As last year, $50,000 from this year's event has been designated to go toward building a new multi-purpose facility to house the annual Livestock Show and host other local/area events.
This year's Catkins Ball was held Saturday, April 29, in Risien Park under the stars and three huge white tents with complementing décor. The theme was 'Rio in White' so attendees wore all-white in keeping with a Brazilian new year's tradition. A live band played during the hospitality hour as the 600+ attendees were greeting old and new friends and viewing the 60+ silent auction items available for bidding and purchase.
As people moved into the largest tent and found their assigned seats for dinner, they enjoyed beautiful tables set with white tablecloths and centerpieces of live Brazilian flowers. A Brazilian-themed dinner was prepared and served by Pecan House Grill, and during dinner a Brazilian band and native dancers entertained attendees. The evening was wrapped up with dancing to Branded Heart Band. In partnership with Tommy Lee & Dawn Jones, the Foundation will also be hosting their second annual Polo Match fundraiser specifically to support the Livestock Show Barn project. This event will be held September 9th at the Jones' Fleming Springs Ranch just east of the City.
The Community Foundation of San Saba County, Inc. was organized in 2007 as a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to the enhancement of community life in San Saba County through programs, activities and facilities in support of education, recreation, culture, historic preservation, literacy, and art. Past donations, along with proceeds from the organization's annual Catkins Ball, have allowed the Foundation to restore the historic Estep-Burleson Building (sometimes called the Burden Hotel or Burden Plaza) on the courthouse square, the San Saba County Courthouse Annex (formerly housed the City National Bank), help preserve the Wedding Oak tree, restore and remodel the Garden Club building (old 1875-era grist mill in Mill Pond Park), help with the construction of native rock retaining walls around the gazebo in Mill Pond Park, convert the old Menchaca service station into a visitors center with sorely needed public restrooms for the downtown area, and make an annual contribution to the local Young Life organization.