'No Child Without a Christmas,' No Detroiter Without a Laugh!

'No Child Without a Christmas,' No Detroiter Without a Laugh!

Detroit's Favorite TV & Radio Personalities Partner for Charitable Production; On October 26, "The Steakout Returns - for Charity and a Good Laugh"

DETROIT, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- This past week, five of Detroit's best- loved TV and radio news personalities gathered to tape a segment for the upcoming charity fund-raiser, "The Steakout." The group included Bill Bonds, Mort Crim, Sonny Eliot, Devin Scillian, and Eli Zaret. The segment was taped at the Birmingham home of a retired automotive executive.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051006/DETH019 )

Steakout co-chair Jason Vines explains, "I can't tell you too much about this. I don't want to give it away. But it has to do with some very funny moments in the life of WDIV anchor Devin Scillian when he arrives home after a frustrating day delivering the news!"

This is just one of many similar segments that Steakout barbequers are currently working on to fulfill the goal of giving Detroit its best laugh in years. "In fact, if you don't walk away from the evening with ten good belly laughs, we'll check to see if you have any blood pressure," adds event manager, Bob Giles.

The charitable event is a fund-raiser for the Detroit Goodfellows and the Detroit Press Club Foundation. According to Ed Lapham, executive editor of Automotive News, and event co-chair, "The 'off-the-record' event always brings out an amazing array of politicians, auto executives, media personalities, and people who see a opportunity for an evening of great humor. And this year, it will help two local charities."

The annual "must attend" event where politicians, business leaders, sports stars and the media are satirized and ravaged is making a comeback after a 13- year hiatus on October 26. Billed "The Steakout Returns - for Charity and a Good Laugh," this off-the-record dinner and show will humorously feature many of the state's famous and infamous characters from all walks of life. All proceeds from this night of laughter will be shared by the Detroit Press Club Foundation, which provides scholarships for journalism students, and the Detroit Goodfellows, the Old Newsboys' charity that annually provides needy local children with Christmas gifts.

As it was 13 years ago, the event is co-chaired by Tim Kiska, now of Infinity Broadcasting, and Vines of DaimlerChrysler, with the addition of Lapham, who also heads the DPFC as president.

Giles, retired WXYZ-TV news executive, who directed the Steakout for 17 years, explained, "Past participants have included the late Detroit Mayor Coleman Young, Governors Milliken, Blanchard and Engler, Ted Koppel, Oprah Winfrey, Siskel and Ebert, Dan Rather, Sonny Elliot and, of course, L. Brooks Patterson. Traditionally, it's been an 'off-the-record' event where these people can say what they really think without fear of being quoted on the next day's front page!"

"We agreed to bring back the Steakout for two great causes," said Vines. "However, the spirit of the event will not change -- belly laughs at the expense of others."

The event is open to the first 1,000 people and will be held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Hotel. Ticket price is $250 and includes an open bar during the reception beginning at 6 p.m. and dinner beginning at 7 p.m. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Tables of 10 can be purchased as well as individual tickets.

Steakout coordinator and Detroit free-lance journalist Suzanne Rabideau adds, "The reception will feature a silent auction. We have some wonderful items on the auction tables. It's a great place to do some pre-season holiday shopping. Who wouldn't want to walk away with these two hot Celine Dion Las Vegas concert tickets?"

Reservations can be made by mailing a check or money order to the following address:

The Steakout c/o Mary Sawyer Comerica Bank 500 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48226-8149

For more information on the event and reservations, contact Bob Giles at 248-302-2222, Suzanne Rabideau at 313-371-6992, or Bob Ankeny at 313-446-0404.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051006/DETH019 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Detroit Press Club Foundation

CONTACT: Bob Giles, +1-248-302-2222, Suzanne Rabideau, +1-313-371-6992, or Bob Ankeny, +1-313-446-0404, all for Detroit Press Club Foundation

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