tSouthfield, Mich., October 31, 2011 – Metro Detroiters enjoyed an evening of down-home country fun at the ninth annual American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball on October 29, 2011 at the Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit. The ever-popular, western-inspired gala raised more than $1.4 million to support the mission of the American Cancer Society.
tArguably one of the most unique fundraisers in the metro area, the Cattle Baron’s Ball is most well-known as a western-themed evening of fine food, live music, auctions and games for all. Since its inception in 2003, the Cattle Baron’s Ball remains a volunteer-driven event led by many of the nation’s top corporate executives.
tLed by Honorary Chair Joel Ewanick, this year marked an important return of Cattle Baron’s ball to downtown Detroit. Featuring hometown talent Annabelle Road, Detroit chefs serving up western fare, and a new home at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena, Cattle Baron’s Ball is truly a reflection of the talent, dedication and impact of Detroit and its people.
t"It was great to bring this event back to the ‘D’ this year," said Ewanick. "By partnering with the American Cancer Society, we helped our local heroes, families and communities who fight this deadly disease each day. Together, we took another step in creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays."
tThis year’s event also included a top notch live auction which generated more than $300,000 alone and included items such as a one of a kind custom Camaro designed by West Coast Customs, an opportunity to guest DJ at a Red Wings home game, a chance to hit the GM Proving Grounds, MTV Movie Awards tickets and more.
tDuring the evening’s program, Ken Hopkins, president and COO of Koyo Bearings USA, LLC, was presented with the 2011 Cowger Leadership Award. The prestigious award honors the legacy of leadership built by inaugural event chairs Gary and Kay Cowger and is the highest honor the American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division bestows on a volunteer in Southeast Michigan. As chair of the Sponsorship Committee and an Executive Committee member, Hopkins was honored for his consistent leadership, dedication and support of Cattle Baron’s Ball.
tAlso, for the fourth year, culinary awards were presented to our food and beverage providers. The 2011 Chuck Wagon Awards included a category for “Best Sweet,” “Best Savory,” and “Best in Presentation.” Winners were selected at the Cattle Baron’s Ball by a panel of judges and were announced during the traditional Parade of Chefs. Winners included:
tBest Sweet: Peteet’s Famous Cheesecake
tBest Savory: Forte Belanger and Zazios
tBest in Presentation: Forte Belanger & Shriners Silver Gardens
tIt’s estimated that 26,000 metro Detroiters will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Through the support of generous companies and individuals, the Cattle Baron’s Ball provides funding for much needed programs, services and research needed to save lives.
t“Every day on average more than 70 people are diagnosed with cancer right here in metro Detroit, and many of those patients and their families look to the American Cancer Society for information, services and support,” said Jill Elder, vice president, American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division. “We are appreciative of the executive leadership standing behind this year’s event, to presenting sponsor Chevrolet, and to all of our volunteers and supporters who help us sustain the lifesaving work we do across metro Detroit and the nation.”
tSince the event’s debut, more than $8 million has been raised in support of the American Cancer Society, who uses its century of experience and unwavering commitment to beating cancer by helping people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back.
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tAbout the American Cancer Society
tThe American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
