The Chickasaw Nation strives to be a good community partner.
Working toward a mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people, this mission extends to many Oklahoma communities, schools, universities and philanthropic efforts.
One such partnership is with the American Cancer Society (ACS) for the Oklahoma City Cattle Baron’s Ball fundraiser.
The annual gala supports ACS’s vision “to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.” One program being funded this year through the event is the ACS Chad Richison Hope Lodge in Oklahoma City.
Opened in 2023 on the campus of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, the Hope Lodge offers a place where cancer patients and their families can stay while receiving treatment far from home. The average patient stay at Hope Lodge last year was nine days.
The first of its kind in the state, the Hope Lodge facility was built to improve access to cancer care and improve the lives of Oklahomans and others.
“At the Chickasaw Nation, we truly believe ‘a rising tide lifts all ships,’ and that we have a responsibility to support and partner with communities to ensure a bright future,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said.
Business diversification and economic development have enabled the Chickasaw Nation to reach new levels of success, meet its mission and lift up Chickasaw people, as well as the communities in which they live.
“We strive to be great partners in the growth, progress and sustained success of our communities,” Governor Anoatubby said.
The Chickasaw Nation makes a $5.5 billion contribution to the Oklahoma economy annually, supporting more than 34,400 jobs and $1.8 billion in wages and benefits.
Cattle Baron’s Ball
The Cattle Baron’s Ball is the signature philanthropy gala of ACS. The Western-themed Oklahoma City “party with a purpose” is conducted at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. In 2023, the gala was attended by more than 500 people.
“We are truly grateful that the Chickasaw Nation has embraced this event and our cause, helping our community raise more than $400,000 for the American Cancer Society Chad Richison Hope Lodge in 2023. It is because of commitments like yours that the American Cancer Society is able to ensure that no one faces a cancer journey alone,” Rachel Stratton, ACS senior development manager, said.
During its first few months of operation, the Hope Lodge facility provided more than 4,000 nights’ lodging to 444 guests from 57 Oklahoma counties, saving cancer patients $640,000 in hotel expenses alone.
In the last few years, the ACS OKC Cattle Baron’s Ball has raised more than $2 million in funding for cutting-edge cancer research, patient services and cancer prevention for Oklahomans.
“Our efforts have resulted in great strides in prevention, early detection, remission rates, treatments and even cures for certain types of cancer. Your dedication and support have helped make the Cattle Baron’s Ball the largest fundraiser for cancer research in the world,” Stratton said.
This year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
For more information, visit Cancer.org.