Hob Nobble Gobble Ford Field transformed into 'black-tie carnival'

By John Minnis Legal News Michigan's doom and gloom and lackluster economy took a hiatus Saturday, Nov. 20, as hundreds of America's Thanksgiving Parade supporters shelled out $350 to $1,000 a ticket ($200 for children 6 and under) to attend the annual Hob Nobble Gobble black-tie fundraiser. For the first time, the event was held at Ford Field. Also a first, the black-tie gala was held on Saturday instead of on the eve of Thanksgiving due to the Detroit Lions needing the field for its Thanksgiving Day game, another longtime holiday tradition. For the Hob Nobble Gobble, Ford Field was transformed into a black-tie carnival, the likes of which have probably never been seen in a sporting venue. Dickinson Wright attorney, Zan Nicolli, pro bono counsel for The Parade Company, said, "Try to picture a 'black tie' carnival under the 'big top' of Ford Field." Carnival rides included the Paratrooper, Giant Swinging Ship, Bumper Cars, Tilt-A-Whirl, Ferris wheel and a Fun Slide. Giveaways were handed out throughout the stadium. Live music, including a performance by Barbados R&B singer-songwriter Shontelle Layne, was provided throughout the evening on a stage flanked by huge video screens. Hundreds of reserved tables provided gala attendees a chance to sit down and enjoy the music and the complimentary libations and food, the latter provided by Levy Restaurants. PVS Chemicals Inc. was lead sponsor of the Hob Nobble Gobble. "It was a bit 'over the top,'" Nicolli said, "but all for a great community cause -- to help fund America's Thanksgiving Parade down Woodward Avenue this Thanksgiving. This wonderful family event is also a big thank you to all of our sponsors." Jeffrey Sadowski, who attended the Hob Nobble Gobble with his wife, Susan and children Amy and Aaron, said he wondered how The Parade Company would present the new venue. He wasn't disappointed. "It was fabulous as always, above and beyond anyone's expectations," he said. "Everyone had a great time, with the bonus that we will actually have more sleep this time before the parade on Thursday!" Andrew Richner, a member at Clark Hill, attended Hob Nobble Gobble with his wife, Susan, and daughter, Emily. "We were delighted to have been part of this event and contribute to the efforts to preserve one of Detroit's great traditions on behalf of my law firm, Clark Hill, which has always been committed to the communities where our offices are located," Richner said. "We'll be back next year!" Each year, The Parade Company introduces a new celebrity "Big Head" to be added to the 300 existing Big Heads taking part in America's Thanksgiving Parade. Past celebrity Big Heads have included Tom Selleck and Joe Louis. This year's celebrity Big Head was the late University of Michigan former Head Coach Bo Schembechler. "We called Cathy Schembechler," said Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company, referring the famed coach's widow, "and she said, 'Go for it!'" Michaels recalled as how he and Jim Brandstatter, Detroit Lions color commentator, looked down on Ford Field a year ago and said, "Yeah, we can do it." Do it they did. Photos by John Minnis Ford Field was transformed into a "black-tie carnival" on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to host Hob Nobble Gobble, the annual fundraiser by The Parade Company for America's Thanksgiving Parade. If Hob Nobble Gobble attendees had room leftover after noshing on the many gourmand offerings provide by Levy Restaurants, they were faced with a fabulous dessert table that would put Willy Wonka to shame. Jeffrey Sadowski, of Howard & Howard, made a family event out of the Hob Nobble Gobble. From left are Amy Aaron, Mike, Susan and Jeff Sadowski. Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and wife, Jumana, enjoyed night free of politics and government worries at the Hob Nobble Gobble. Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company, introduced this year's new "celebrity Big Head" -- Bo Schembechler, the late (and famed) former head coach of the University of Michigan. Published: Fri, Nov 26, 2010

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