It is estimated that nearly 53,000 people will contract some form of cancer in Michigan this year and groups like the American Cancer Society, with their impressive range of programs, seek to make sure all are given the treatment they deserve.
Each year, the Cattle Baron's Ball roars into town signally the beginning of gala season in West Michigan. Every time, it is one of the biggest parties of the year.
This year, their late nightclub event unhitches from the CBB's wagon and debuts at Eve (located on the fourth floor of The B.O.B.) the night before the gala in an event appropriately named The Stampede.
The Stampede is a great club-style event with a party atmosphere built into the night. Unlike the CBB gala on Friday night, The Stampede is a chance for those low on funds to gain a foothold on the action with a very low entry price.
"Stampeders" who purchase VIP level service will enjoy music, special drink offers and dancing with opening DJ Todd Ernst. At 9 p.m., the doors of this modern saloon swing wide open to mechanical bull riding and the nationally recognized celebrity DJ Rekka returning to the event to create the best party style set of music we have heard here in a long time here.
Ernst's wife Becky was so impressed last year by DJ Rekka that she remarked to her husband, "You just don't know what to do with this guy, do you?" And honestly, he didn't, adding, "There are some guys locally that give the whole 'party rocker' style a solid effort, but not anything like this guy."
The following night is the Cattle Baron's Ball at the Steelcase Town Hall and will feature a full country and western food spread and beverages, western entertainment, live and silent auction and for their first-ever Cattle Baron's Ball appearance, two Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders!
"The support that the community provides through this event makes it possible for ACS to offer services and support programs throughout West Michigan," says Linda Powers, ACS Distinguished Events Specialist. "We are expecting around 500-600 attendees this year for the CBB presented by Meijer and Dematic, and [that] is basically a "sell-out." More than two million dollars has been raised through the West Michigan Cattle Baron's Ball so far, and this marks our ninth year!"
Most of all, the CBB is the opportunity for the community to celebrate the everyday successes of cancer survivors in our region, many of whom would have different stories to share had our ACS not been able to provide programs like Road to Recovery, Hope Lodge, Camp Catch-A-Rainbow and their 24/7 cancer information line. (800-227-2345)
Admission: Stampede: $10. General Admission, $25 VIP; Cattle Baron's Ball, $150.
More Info