It was time for their close ups Mr. DeMille, as 187 people dressed for the Hollywood-themed Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce's Red Carpet Awards Auction Event at the Holiday Inn Express in Van Buren Twp. on Friday.
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Chamber president Kathie Steigerwald emceed the event that was as stylish as it was enjoyable.
The red carpet was literally laid out, paparazzi dressed in early '60's pork pie hats and narrow lapelled black suits awaited the night's celebrities, with light bulbs flashing and pens sparking on news pads.
Local luminaries like Chesley Odom, Linda Hall, Medina Atchinson, Don Swinson, Joannie Payne, Cindy King and other eagerly awaited the night's crowning moments and auction excitement.
Van Buren Township's Carlson Catering knows how to cater to a on scene location shoot or a cast dinner.
"We can handle any event from a black tie event to a family picnic," Carlson Catering event manager Regina Pionk said.
But Friday night leaned more toward the Hollywood bon vivant than the hoi polloi.
Silent items in the Chinese auction included several lottery baskets, hair care and beauty care items, a $200 gift certificate from Randy Brown landscaping, a night at the Hilton Garden Inn and a very popular $100
gasoline gift certificate from Clark gas among dozens of other great items.
Steigerwald honored Retired Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Janet Millard who stepped down after 19 years of service.
New executive director Kelly Boelter was a blur of motion as she assumed her new starring role as Belleville's "His Girl Friday."
While Michael's DJ Service played Oscar winning hits, including this year's eclectic winner from the Irish movie "Once," the crowd got ready for the Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce's version of the Oscars.
Bill Wolters of Stoney Creek Motor Sports was awarded the Ted Kuckelman Community Service award by attorney Thomas DiPietro.
Brown was given the Leona Van Buhler award for his role as chamber Member of the Year.
David C. Brown took home the Business of the Year award, presented by Gary Snarski.
Atchinson Ford Sales and the Henry R. Deering Agency were feted for being 45- year members of the chamber.
The Wayne County Community College District, Western Campus was honored for its 35- years of membership and service.
The Belleville Rotary Club, still rolling after 30 years, was honored for their sequels of community dedication and charitable service.
Awarded for 25 years of membership were Comerica Bank, managed by one of our favorite stars, Barbara Otto, Davenport Brothers Construction Company, Garden Fantasy Greenhouse and Florist, McDonald's of Belleville, Lodge Lanes and Martin and Son.
Taking home 20 year membership honors were the Belleville/Van Buren Goodfellows, National Strawberry Festival, New Lawn Sod Farm and Van Buren township's Wellington Industries.
The 2008 Corporate Sponsor Awards were given to Friends of the Chamber (Best Actor/ Actress).
Best Director awards went to Boyer Meat Processing, Carlson Catering, Deb's Catering, Michael's DJ Service, PGF Welding and Fabrication, Showroom of Elegance and Walt Michal RV Center.
The Best Sound awards went home with Belfor U.S.A., Boelter Painting Services, BWI Contracting, Carriage House promotions, the Detroit Red Wings, J&T Crova Towing, Marlin Air, Petland of Novi, Sandy Askew, Top Notch Entertainment and the Van Buren Eagles.
Other award winners were Butzin Lumber, Detroit tigers, Friends Fine Floor Covering, EQ, V.F.W. Post 4434, Interiors by Brad and Janet, ITC Holdings, Amber Eyes Gallery and Loranger Family Chiropractic Center.
Also winning awards were C.A.L. Plumbing, Joyce Adams, Belleville DDA, Trinity Brands, Perspective Eye Care and Burhop Collision and Auto Glass.
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