The 10th Annual Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational Gala
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Ada Lee Photography, Axxess and Marcy Meeks
THE SETTING: Recently, Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts hosted the 10th Annual Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational celebration of ten years of service, philanthropy and positive community impact for the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities. This star-studded soiree included sports icons and entertainment luminaries such as Eric Dickerson, Eddie George, Miss Teen USA Kaliegh Garris, Torii Hunter, Christopher “Kid” Reid of Kid ‘N Play, John Rocker, and Melissa Rycroft Strickland.
THE STYLE: Guests began the evening at the Omni Frisco Hotel with a red-carpet arrival and cocktail hour followed by dinner and a live auction. Roger Staubach presented his eponymous award to Jessica and Dirk Nowitzki in acknowledgment of the amazing work they have done through The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation. LaTorsha and LaDainian Tomlinson were presented with The Changemaker Award and long term donors Dee Lincoln, David and Tina Craig and Lamonte Thomas were recognized for their unwavering support over the past ten years with the All Star Partner Award.
THE PURPOSE: Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach and his wife, Marianne, served as honorary chairs with Mahisha and John Dellinger serving as the event’s chairs. Now in its 10th year, with this year’s title sponsor Healthcare Highways, the organization has raised more than 9.2 million dollars through the Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational in support of Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities. Proceeds from the weekend go towards supporting over 150 charities in North Texas, including 10,000 DISD students and families through their annual back to school program. Funds are also utilized to create and fund unique educational experiences and enrichment opportunities for underserved children.