American Cancer Society’s Hippie-Style Cowford Ball Ready for Oct. 21

Jacksonville, FL (October 19, 2006) – Strawberry Fields Forever Desserts, the Funkadelic Corner and the Big Chill Ice Sculpture are just a few of the food stations planned for this year’s sixties-themed American Cancer Society’s Cowford Ball – Hippie-Cow-Yea – which takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, October 21 at the River City Brewing Company.

One of Atlanta’s top bands, Party on the Moon, will provide live entertainment during the event, which also includes dancing, dining, live and silent auctions, and a casino area.

Tickets are still available for the event, and people can purchase them at the River City Brewing Company the night of the event.

"Building on last year, this will be an exceptionally fun event that serves a very serious cause," said Linda Goldstein, co-chair of the gala team. "About 5,500 First Coast residents are diagnosed with cancer each year, and the money raised through events like the Cowford Ball supports research, prevention, detection and patient services in the Jacksonville area."

Memorial Hospital is the presenting sponsor for the 1996 Cowford Ball, which is the largest annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Duval Unit. The event has raised more than $4.5 million for the Duval Unit over the 11 years it has been held in Jacksonville.

This year, the gala team has added a new event, a stick-cow race. Stick cow sponsors have paid $1,000 each to decorate their stick cows and designate a jockey to race for a place in the winner’s circle.

For ticket information, contact the American Cancer Society at 904-398-0537.

Media Contact: Ron Whittington (904-563-0402)