The West Michigan Area Service Center teamed up with presenting sponsor Huntington to rope in West Michigan’s fundraising community at the fifth annual Cattle Baron’s Ball in Grand Rapids. The gala, which took place on August 17, raised more than $400,000. Nearly 600 guests donned their western themed attire at the Steelcase TownHall to honor local philanthropists and inaugural chairpersons, Carol Van Andel and Jim Dunlap.

The evening sizzled with down-home fun featuring live music from West Michigan’s own Mid-Life Crisis and special musical guest Jimmy Dillon with Judge Sara Smolenski hosting the main stage. Other featured activities included live and silent auctions, dial for diamonds raffle, games, and delectable cuisine. At the heart of the Ball was the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have battled cancer. The Trail of Tribute, a tiered feature with luminaria, glowed throughout the night in honor or memory of those who have been touched by cancer.

"It’s an inspirational night dedicated to raising awareness and funding for truly inspirational people battling cancer right here in our community," said Brian Cloyd, event co-chairperson and vice president of global corporate relations for Steelcase, Inc.

The Cattle Baron’s Ball, a volunteer-driven event, was led and attended by some of the West Michigan’s most influential executives and community leaders and supported by the area’s top businesses.

"The 2007 Cattle Baron’s Ball has enjoyed a solid foundation of corporate sponsorship and we are grateful for the generous support provided by organizations within our community," said Eileen DeVries, event co-chairperson and the wealth management advisor and senior vice president of investments for Merrill Lynch. "Together, we can provide continued hope, progress and answers towards a cure."

Celebrating five years of notable success as one of West Michigan’s premier charitable events, organizers honored the event’s inaugural chairpersons, Carol Van Andel and Jim Dunlap, for their volunteer leadership and continued support of the Cattle Baron’s Ball.

"They are truly passionate people who believe in the work of the American Cancer Society and we are grateful for their leadership, both within our organization and within the community we serve," said Kay Rader, ACS executive director of the West Michigan Area Service Center.

"Saving lives from cancer is a feat that no organization, institution or industry can do alone; therefore, we are pleased to have so many committed volunteers and organizations working towards our shared mission."

Gala events like the Cattle Baron’s Ball offer a fun and festive way to support the Society’s programs and services, which make a difference every day in the lives of people touched by cancer. For more information on galas in your community, call your American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Pictured: Jim Dunlap, Kathy Dunlap, Carol Van Andel, and Dave Van Andel (above left); Eileen DeVries and Brian Cloyd (above right)