Cattlemen’s Ball Fundraiser

Break out your finest country boots and hats for the Manatee Children’s Services 15th Annual Cattlemen’s Ball Fundraiser, formerly known as Country Night, is coming to town. This year’s event will take place on October 3, 2014, from 6:30-11:30 p.m., at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

The fundraiser will feature food from the Cortez Clam Factory House-Smoked BBQ, full liquor bars, a Texas Hold’em Tournament, live and silent auctions, music from One Night Rodeo, raffles, prizes, and country line dancing. Feel free to get in to the theme by gussying up in your western wear finery.

The Cattlemen’s Ball is the perfect opportunity to help celebrate MCS’ recent move to a new, family-friendly location at 1227 9th St. W. The new location includes three separate buildings that house MCS’ child abuse prevention, clinical, and Child Protection Team programs. The therapy building, “Michelle’s Cottage,” was dedicated to the late Michelle Geddes-Willey of MCS. The agency also opened the Center for the Arts, a bistro/art center located in the Village of the Arts at 930 12th St. W. The Center for the Arts hosts art classes, cooking classes, and events for the community. Some of the center’s recent events have included a summer art camp for children, the Village of the Arts’ monthly Art Walk, and “Paint and Wine” nights.

To celebrate MCS’s exciting changes, we invite all members of the community to join us for an Open House on Aug. 28, 2014, from 3-6 p.m., at our new location. A dedication ceremony honoring the founder of MCS, Carol Chamberlain, will take place at 6 p.m.

Tickets for the Cattlemen’s Ball are $60 per person. Sponsorships available are the “Cattlemen Grand” VIP Table, including eight admission tickets, a poster-sized advertisement and banner at the event, all media recognition, and a prime table location; “Cowboys and Cowgirls” Special Table, including six admission tickets and a poster-sized advertisement; and “Bull Riding,” including four admission tickets and sponsorship signage. For more information about the MCS Cattlemen’s Ball or MCS, please visit us at www.manateechildrensservices.com or contact Gina Spicer at (941) 345-1200.