When Dr. Juan Reyna accepted the American CancerSociety’s invitation to co–chair the 2008 Cattle Baron’sGala, one of his first orders of business was to buy a pair ofcowboy boots—the first he’d ever owned.
Reyna, a urologist, seems an unlikely candidate to lead oneof the region’s largest western–themed fundraisers. He hailsfrom San Antonio’s South Side, he is not a fan of country music,and he prefers sports cars to pick–up trucks. But, as a medicaldoctor and a kidney cancer survivor, Reyna understandsbetter than most the gravity of the disease and the value of theservices the American Cancer Society provides.
“I believe in the American Cancer Society’s mission. Mypatients have benefited from its programs,” Reyna shares. “Forexample, the AC S provides transportationfor individuals whohave no other means of getting tomy clinic or the hospital for theircancer treatments.”
“On a very personal level, I ama cancer survivor, and the opportunityto assist the AC S with thisevent and its mission of eliminatingthis disease means a great dealto me.”
“We took away so many goodmemories from the fashion show.When the cancer society asked usto chair the gala, we knew it wassomething we needed to do,” saysDr. Reyna’s wife, Joni.
But with all of the responsibilities of leading the AC S’slargest local fundraising event, the Reynas had one request:they wanted a couple to co–chair the gala to help balance theload.
Coincidently, Jim Castrellon and his wife Linda Dozier, acouple who have been actively involved in the gala since 2005,had become progressively more involved in the gala since theystarted working with the action committee. They agreed tochair the event, but they too wanted another couple with themat the helm.
Prior to agreeing to chair the gala together, the couples’paths had never crossed. The Reynas had established theirreputation in the local healthcare community through Dr.Reyna’s role as President and CEO of Urology San Antonio,a leading 25–doctor group. Throughout her career, Joni hasbeen involved with healthcare organizations, including hermost recent work as a vice president of Synergyst Research, aclinical research consulting firm.
Castrellon and Dozier made their marks in the constructionmanagement and aerospace/defense industries. Jim hasworked for more than 30 years managing design projects including the construction of the massive Fox Studios in Mexicofor the filming of the movie Titanic (1997) and Los AngelesCounty Sanitation Department project that was featured onthe television program Mega Structures. Linda is an aerospaceprofessional with over 22 years of experience negotiating andmanaging multibillion dollar defense contracts. She was a partof the leadership team when San Antonio welcomed LockheedMartin to the former Kelly Air Force Base. She currentlyworks for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics on the F–22 FighterAircraft program.
Despite their diverse backgrounds, the couples connectedinstantly through their shared focus on eliminating cancer, adisease that has affected not only Reyna but also the parentsand relatives of each of the chairs.
Gala Glitz Meets Business Focus
“Our goal is to make the30th anniversary gala a banneryear,” says Dozier. “We want thenight to be fun and memorable sothat we attract new participantsand stoke the excitement for nextyear’s event. And, of course, wewant to bring in the maximumrevenue for the AC S,” Doziersays.
More specifically, thechairs’ goal is to raise $500,000—$159,000 more the amount raisedat the most successful gala todate.
One of the new elementsof this year’s October 18th gala isthe location. The party is moving from rural South Texas toSunset Station, in the heart of the city.
Another twist for this year’s event is the first Texas Hold‘Em Poker Party. The gala will also debut the exclusive Baron’sCommittee, where, for an extra donation, guests can access aprivate lounge and enjoy top–shelf drinks while mingling withpolitical leaders and celebrities. Also new in 2008 is the YellowRose Tribute, where attendees can purchase roses that will bedisplayed in a special area in honor or in memory of an individualwho has faced cancer.
Even the fashion show, the event that initially roped Dr.Reyna into the gala, is also getting a makeover. Ranch At TheRim, a new upscale, family–owned western wear shop is underwritingthe show and hosting it at the store on I–10.
“I know I speak for all of us involved in the gala when I saythat working with so many generous and dedicated individualsto achieve this mission has been one of the most rewardingefforts I have had the privilege to take part in,” Reyna says.
