14th Annual Catkins Ball

The 14th Annual Catkins Ball was a grand success! With over 600 attendees and nearly $160,000 raised, we once again thank all who chose to support our future revitalization projects through their generous ticket and item purchases as well as donations.

About The Community Foundation of San Saba County

The Community Foundation of San Saba County, Inc. was organized in 2007, as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to the enhancement of the community life of San Saba 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) 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 Mill Pond and convert the old Menchaca service station into a visitor's center with sorely needed public restrooms for the downtown area.

Because of the success of the annual Catkins Ball fundraiser, The San Saba Polo Club sought out and partnered with the Foundation in a coordinated effort toward building a new Livestock Show Barn in San Saba. This effort is supported by proceeds from an annual polo event and the ongoing effort to bring together other interested organizations to work toward this common goal. Groups such as 4H, FFA, Young Farmers, San Saba Livestock & Rodeo Association, and Ag Departments at the three county high schools have already been brought into this effort. Visitations are being made to newer show barns around the area to get ideas for a local facility - and various potential building sites are being investigated.

For more information about our foundation and mission, visit the links below.

This Year's Theme - Rio in White

Rio de Janeiro New Year's party is the second largest celebration in Brazil, only behind Carnival in Rio. For us, the Ano Novo, Brazilian Réveillon, or simply New Year is guided by the motto "Ano novo, vida nova," which means "New year, new life." The réveillon in Rio de Janeiro is a massive beach party from Copacabana Beach to Ipanema and beyond.

One of the most phenomenal elements of the New Year's celebration in Rio is that every single person honors the tradition of wearing white, which makes one feel a sense of unity with the other celebrants. The sea of people dressed in white is a spectacular sight and unites the diverse crowd gathered on all of the beaches. 

This tradition actually arose from the Candomblé religion, where people used to wear white during rituals seeking peace and spiritual purification. Just like the spiritual meaning of wearing this color, people celebrating New Year's Eve in Brazil hope to attract peace and spiritual protection for the new year by wearing white outfits. Remember, new year, new life. 

 BRANDED HEART THIS YEAR'S GUEST BAND

"If You Can't Dance To It, We Don't Play It!"

Branded Heart is comprised of five veterans of the Central Texas music scene.

They are dedicated to giving the crowd what they want. 

Visit them on Facebook

View them at brandedheartband.com

Listen to them on YouTube

How Mobile Bidding Works

Expedite the check-in process by registering before the event. GiveSmart offers a user-friendly technology that automates our auction letting people bid by mobile phone or donate by text or personalized cell phone link. There is no software to download and if you do not have a phone, one of our staff members will be more than happy to assist you. You can conveniently pay by phone or find one of the staff members to help you check out.