Cattle Baron's Ball makes its return to Detroit

Comedian Jay Mohr, the guys from West Coast Customs and singer Kid Rock will be just a few of the stars at the ninth-annual Cattle Baron's Ball, being held at Joe Louis Arena on Oct. 29. The event that benefits the American Cancer Society moves back to Detroit proper for its annual "cowboy" black-tie event.

Joel Ewanick, General Motors' chief marketing officer, is the honorary chair of this year's ball. He was the person responsible for moving the event back from its temporary suburban-Detroit site.

The Detroit Cattle Baron's Ball has raised more than $7 million for the American Cancer Society since its inception in 2003.

The proceedings will include a silent auction that promises to add to the $2.5 million raised at auction over the past eight years. A stay at the Inn at Bay Harbor was donated, along with a spa day at About Face Beauty Spa, a Tourneau men's watch and much more.

If that's not enough, one lucky auction winner will get a chance to buckle up with the president of GM North America, Mark Reuss. The highest bidder and three guests will head out to the GM proving grounds to ride in some of the company's high-performance cars on the test track in Milford, Mich.

Food is donated from local and not-so-local restaurants for the gala, and guests get to vote on which vendor is the best. Last year's winners of the Chuck Wagon Award included Shelby's Kitchen Therapy, MotorCity Casino Hotel and Yates Cider Mill.

This year's guests can look forward to cuisine from Slows Bar B Q, the Melting Pot of Troy, Dino's Restaurant and more.

The centerpiece of the event will be a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS, donated by GM to West Coast Customs for an upgrade. The Camaro will get some interior and exterior modifications, including a paint and graphics scheme. We haven't seen the car yet but expect an all-American tilt to the customization. New wheels are part of the package along with interior trim work. The Camaro will be auctioned at the event.

Tickets for the Cattle Baron's Ball cost $350 each, $200 of which is tax-deductible, and can be purchased by calling (248) 663-3401.

By Jake Lingeman