Ernie Johnson Jr., longtime studio host for Turner Sports’ NBA telecasts, will be corralling “Reel Cowboys with a Real Cause” on Nov. 3 as master of ceremonies for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society’s fifth annual Cattle Barons’ Ball.

Johnson, who is entering his 17th year at Turner Sports, is also familiar to professional basketball fans as the host of “Inside the NBA” with regular analysts Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley and guest analysts Magic Johnson and Reggie Miller.

The Cattle Barons’ Ball, which benefits the American Cancer Society, is a meaningful cause for Johnson, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2003. Johnson underwent chemotherapy in 2006, and his cancer is now in remission.

“It means a lot to me to be a part of this event,” Johnson said. “My mother, Lois, and my sister, Dawn, are both long-time cancer survivors, so we’ve been big supporters of the American Cancer Society over the years.”

A University of Georgia alumnus, Johnson began his career as news and sports director for WAGQ-FM in Athens before joining WMAZ-TV in 1979 in Macon as a news anchor. From 1983-1989, he was the weekend sports anchor and reporter at WSB-TV in Atlanta and from 1993-96, he called the Atlanta Braves games on SportSouth with his father, Ernie Johnson.

Johnson is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2001 Sports Emmy for Best Studio Host/Personality as well as the 1989 Georgia-area Emmy Award for a special report entitled “Braves Fantasy Camp.”

This year, Johnson received the first ever honorary John Wooden Keys to Life Award, presented by Athletes in Action. The honor is awarded to players and coaches who exemplify Wooden’s Seven Keys to Life including character, integrity and faith.

“We are thrilled this year to have such an outstanding individual — one who understands on a very personal level the community’s need to strive for a cure —serve as our master of ceremonies,” said Cattle Barons’ Ball event chair Kelly Batcho.

The Western-style ball, put on by local volunteers, expects to raise more than $200,000 for the American Cancer Society. The ball’s 2007 theme, “Reel Cowboys with a Real Cause,” draws inspiration from the event’s venue this year, RiverWood Studios, a movie production studio in Senoia.

As always, Barons’ Ball guests can expect to be treated to a lively evening of great food which this year will be provided by Atlanta’s LowCountry Barbecue, music, Vegas-style games, live and silent auctions and much more.

In the past four years, the Barons’ Ball has raised more than $650,000 for the American Cancer Society. The proceeds from the event benefit local programs and services of the American Cancer Society that are offered free to the community along with funding research, legislative efforts and education.

Stay tuned for more announcements regarding this exciting event in the weeks to come. For more information on the 2007 American Cancer Society’s Barons’ Ball Fayette County, contact Nychelle Williams, senior community manager, 301 Kelly Drive, Peachtree City, Ga.; 770-631-0625 (phone); 770-631-8917 (fax); nychelle.williams@cancer.org; or visit www.baronsball.com. To learn more about the American Cancer Society its services and programs call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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