© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Inside Look: Dallas Mavs Ball Raises $1.8 Million for Charity
DALLAS - The Dallas Mavericks pressed pause on their NBA playoff push to strut the blue carpet on a star-studded Friday evening at the premier fundraising event for the Mavs Foundation. The Mavs Ball started nine years ago with an established and long-lasting impact on the community.
"We are all here for a common purpose," Mavs CEO Cynt Marshall said on the blue carpet. "To have a big impact on our community. The Mavs Ball is our largest fundraiser for the Mavs Foundation... Our goal is to raise over one million (dollars)."
In an astounding success, the ball raised $1.8 million for the Mavs Foundation.
Luka Doncic, Mark Cuban
Tom Pennington/GettyImages
"It's crazy," said Mavs minority owner Mark Cuban of the Mavs' ninth Mavs Ball. "It's been such an amazing event. We get to give back to the community, players get to come out have have fun and we get to dance."
Mavs fans had the chance to bid on unique experiences like playing NBA2K video game with AJ Lawson, Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington on the jumbotron of American Airlines Center. More items included:
- GM for a day with Nico Harrison: Spending a day in the life of the Mavs GM including breakfast by the Mavericks head chef, access to private practice, post practice press conference and a meet and greet with Mavericks players.
- Spending a day in the life of the Mavs CEO Cynt Marshall.
- A party at NBA Champion Shawn Marion's guest house: Your group will enjoy the best house party in town! Party bus transportation plus use of his guest house sports bar, full basketball court and a two-lane bowling alley.
The Mentalist Oz Pearlman, a world-renowned entertainer, dazzled the audience with his unique mind-reading ability. Live music from Emerald City Band kept the party going while attendees bid on legendary autographed collectibles, game worn jerseys and art specifically created for Mavs Fans.
In total, again, $1.8 million was raised for the Mavs foundation.
Over the past 27 years, the Mavs Foundation has provided grant funding totaling more than $10 million dollars to nonprofit organizations serving women, children and families in need. In addition to grants, the Mavs Foundation has built 57 safe Learn & Play spaces throughout the North Texas community, including 32 basketball courts and 25 Reading & Learning Centers.
Marshall, Cuban and Coach Jason Kidd enjoyed the festivities. Former Mavs in attendance included Rolando Blackman, Shawn Marion, Devin Harris, Josh Howard and Charlie Villanueva.
Next up in the Mavs' NBA playoffs push, a road game vs. the the Utah Jazz on Monday. Check out the videos and photos below for an inside look into the glam evening in Dallas.
