Novi Businesses Honored at 'Toast of the Town'

Six Novi businesses were honored by Novi Mayor Bob Gatt at the "Toast of the Town" gala on Jan. 25, according to an email newsletter from the Novi Chamber of Commerce.

More than 150 people attended the event at Suburban Collection Showplace to watch the the winners receive the Novi Business Recongniztion Awards. The winning businesses are as follows: 

• Novi Public Library
• Suburban Collection
• Preh Inc.
• Cherry Blossom Japanese Restaurant
• Bright House Networks

The night began with appetizers provided by Carrabba's Italian Grill and Toasted Oak Grill & Market, with music by the Novi High School string quartet. As people were enjoying the appetizers, they were able to browse the 27 different raffle prizes. Among the prizes were a $250 Tapper's gift card, Detroit Red Wings tickets, and a collection of gift cards to various Novi restaurants.

At the same time, auctioneer Bob Howe was preparing for the live auction, featuring a two night stay at the Grand Hotel, naming rights to the Civic Center street sign, and a romance package that included a weekend stay at The Henry, a one hundred dollar gift card to any of Landry's 38 restaurants along with a Rogaska crystal vase filled with a dozen red roses.

Gatt started the festivities by presenting all the awards, including a special award he personally selected: the Mayor's Business Ambassador Award, which was given to Blair Bowman of the Suburban Collection Showplace. A celebratory toast was enjoyed by all, sponsored by Gasiorek, Morgan, Greco and McCauley PC, with the award winners gathering on the stage to receive their honor.

The evening continued with a unique and entertaining fundraising game of heads or tails. The winner was Nicole from Varsity Lincoln. She won a Dine-Around, which included appetizers at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, entrees at Carrabba's Italian Grill, and desserts at Bonefish Grill with transportation provided by Wilson Limousine.

After the very successful live auction, with proceeds benefitting the American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Region, and a delicious dinner, dessert was provided by The Melting Pot and Perfect Desserts. To cap-off the festive evening, an 11-piece band played as the crowd danced the night away.

You can view photos from Toast of the Town online.