Susan Robinson Jewelry has been in the community for 40 years. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

At the 36th Tyler Cattle Baron’s Ball held last Saturday, Dana Reeder of Troup was named the winner of a $5,000 shopping spree donated by Susan Robinson Jewelry, benefitting the American Cancer Society.

“I was jumping and cheering and very excited,” Reeder said. “I would absolutely encourage people to come to the Cattle Baron’s (Ball) and do the raffle. It’s such a huge draw … to get people to come in for the truck (donated by Hall Buick GMC), jewelry or both. They may walk away with something.”

Although she has attended the Cattle Baron’s Ball for several years, this year she was invited to attend with the company she works for, GDC Industrial, which sponsored a table. Raising funds for cancer research and support services is a cause close to Reeder’s heart.

“The American Cancer Society is actually really important to my family,” Reeder said. “I’ve lost three immediate family members to cancer so it’s very important for us to sponsor research and help cancer patients with things that they need.”

The jewelry raffle tickets were $20 each, or six tickets for $100. Reeder bought six tickets and it was the first time she won.

“Thank you to Susan Robinson for being able to do the sponsorship … and the raffle,” Reeder said. “It’s absolutely wonderful for them to do that every year.”

At the Cattle Baron’s Ball last Saturday, 257 jewelry raffle tickets were sold resulting in proceeds to the American Cancer Society of $4,320.

“I’m excited today … I walked in the door and everything’s so sparkly and beautiful,” Reeder said Friday during her shopping spree. “Jewelry is not something that I’ve had a lot of experience with, so I’m excited to learn a little bit about it.”

For 40 years, Susan Robinson Jewelry has made a name for itself in the community. With the retirement of its esteemed namesake, longtime employee for over 20 years Cyndy Hough and her daughter, Blake Tucker, stepped into the role of owners last year, ensuring the legacy continues.

“My husband, son and I moved back to Tyler from Dallas about 11 years ago, and my mom and Susan’s son, Reese, were working at the store and he approached me to help during the holidays,” Tucker said. “I started doing that and didn’t leave, so I’ve been here ever since. That was … six years ago now. It’s such a wonderful part of the community.”

Susan Robinson Jewelry — also now known as SRJ — has been participating in the Cattle Baron’s Ball with a raffle for more than a decade.

“It’s so important to give back to the community and there are so many incredible organizations that do that,” Tucker said. “Being a part of the Cattle Baron’s Ball and the American Cancer Society is a great privilege and honor. We are thrilled to be a part of it every year.”

When it comes to shopping around for that perfect trinket, Tucker says it varies from person-to-person.

“A lot of people come in thinking they may have something in mind and then they look around and do something totally different,” Tucker said. “We try to pinpoint to their everyday style … and see what they feel comfortable wearing every day.”

Located at The Fountain at Chimney Rock, SRJ features a bright and modern showroom with new and creative selections for customers. It is currently located on 5779 S Broadway Ave. in Tyler, not far from its original home.

“It’s really fun to see because we’ve had winners come in not only shopping for herself but will also shop for her mom or her daughters, her husband or a friend,” she said. “It’s all about giving back, and you can see that through the winners.”

As the largest American Cancer Society event in Tyler, the ball has raised over $17.5 million since 1988. ACS is currently funding over $37 million in cancer research in Texas, according to the fundraiser’s website.

“This is such an incredible cause … and we appreciate Dana and everybody that has participated in the raffle for Cattle Baron’s,” Tucker said. “We’re looking forward to doing it again next year.”

Every day, ACS saves lives and supports patients in Smith County. The American Cancer Society is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on ACS programs and services available in the community, visit www.cancer.org or call 800-ACS-2345.

To support the Tyler Cattle Baron’s Ball, donate at tyler.acscbb.org or call 903-570-8126.