Dallas Rocks: Diamond Dinner and Pave After-party – DEF’s Gala Fundraiser November 14, 2009
Dallas Rocks 2009 Announces Gala Details in Style
What: A star-studded guest list filled Union Station for Dallas Rocks 2009 gala, benefiting the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F). D.E.F. founder Russell Simmons, along with celebrities and leaders in the Dallas’ social, sports and business sectors mingled during the glitzy and glamorous event. Thanks to Gold sponsor, Zale Corp, as well as the auction contributors, a lavish display of diamonds was on display at the VIP cocktail party preceding the Diamond Dinner. The evening raised over $400,000 with more proceeds anticipated from a raffle and online auction being conducted through early December.
Anthony Anderson, star of Law and Order and the evening’s emcee, kept the crowd laughing throughout the event and live auction with his humor and impromptu singing! Auctioneer Pat Tully also had the crowd rolling with laughter while auctioning spectacular experiences including packages from the Dallas Mavericks, New York Yankees, Magic Johns and the Los Angeles Lakers, Manchester United, and the Vatican, as well as diamond earrings worn by the Bush sisters. Among the guests who joined Anthony on stage and during the night included co-chairs Angie Mcnamara, Neal L. Goldberg, Ray Crockett, D’Andra Simmons and Joe Pacetti, as well as D.E.F Executive Director, Ellen Haddigan, who announced an anonymous donation of $50K to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation.
While guests enjoyed their dinner provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering, legendary singer Smokey Robinson performed with his band, ending the set with a serenade to a guest who won the bidding for the on-stage opportunity. As the event ended, guests moved into the 009 Pave After-Party, where Reverend Run took the stage with famed DJ Cassidy to entertain guests. What was planned to be a special birthday toast to Rev Run turned into a once-in-a lifetime impromptu performance by Rev Run of the greatest hits of RUN-DMC, accompanied by DJ Cassidy on the turntables. Afterward, Rev Run was joined by his family and Dallas Rocks guests to blow out the candles on his birthday cake, complete with edible family photos. Celebrity photographer Johnny Nunez was on hand to capture the moment on film.
Dallas Rocks 2009 Photogallery
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