Last night, the Dallas Mavericks hosted the 10th Annual Mavs Ball, raising a record-shattering $2.14 million to benefit the Mavs Foundation!
The annual event, presented by ShiftKey, is the premier fundraiser for the Mavs Foundation, with all proceeds directly supporting the Foundation’s mission to uplift women, children and families in need.
This year’s Mavs Ball, hosted at SILO in Dallas’ Design District, was attended by nearly 700 guests, including the 2024-25 Dallas Mavericks, head coach Jason Kidd, and several Mavs Legends like Shawn Marion, who delivered a 10th-anniversary toast during the program.
And there was no shortage of new faces at this year’s ball.
Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Max Christie, Kessler Edwards, Caleb Martin, and new Mavs CEO Rick Welts, all made their Mavs Ball debuts on Sunday.
“Who would want to miss this, right,” Welts asked media while walking the Blue Carpet, presented by Chime. “This is the most exciting evening of the year— it’s an opportunity to come together, not only to celebrate the Mavericks but to raise a whole bunch of money for the Mavs Foundation, which will be distributed throughout North Texas for wonderful, wonderful causes.”
As part of the evening’s program, the Mavericks took time to recognize seven of the team’s 2024-25 Grant Recipients— The Agape Clinic, GirlStart, Jubilee Park & Community Center, Hope Cottage, Reading Partners, Texas Advocacy Project and Viola’s House.
These local non-profits are essential to furthering the Mavs Foundation’s reach, using the grant money awarded thanks to the funds raised at last year’s Mavs Ball, to expand their boots-on-the-ground services and programming for community members who need it most.
“I’m looking forward to raising a ton of money for the Mavs Foundation,” Thompson told the press lining the Blue Carpet. “I’m looking forward to Shawn Marion’s remarks— I want to hear what the champ has to say, especially regarding the 2011 season, because they really came together and did something special. And lastly, probably just some hors d’oeuvres— I’m pretty hungry.”
Rest assured, Thompson was well fed at the event, enjoying a three-course meal alongside guests of Chime, who pulled Thompson as their table mate during the pre-event drawing that matched players with their VIP tables.
Following dinner, auctioneer Dean McCurry ramped things up with a massive game of heads or tails.
The series of coin flips ended in a head-to-head, or rather head-to-tail, duel between Kyrie Irving and the eventual winner, who won a VIP experience at a Mavs game later this season.
While making his entrance on the Blue Carpet, Irving reminded the press he’s known for giving at the Mavs Ball, and he certainly delivered, outbidding the crowd during the live auction to take home one of two “Legos with [Dereck] Lively” experiences.
In addition to the slew of team experiences and memorabilia offered in the live and silent auctions, this year’s event featured some especially unique opportunities.
Tying into the “Tux and TENnies” dress code, the Mavericks organized a Sneaker Pull, where guests could purchase a mystery pair of shoes from a curated collection of game-worn, autographed, and player-edition sneakers.
All the special touches at last night’s event and the immense generosity of the guests in attendance helped the Mavs Foundation surpass its $2 million goal for the evening.
“I think this is one of the most Mavs nights we have,” said Dwight Powell, who’s among the many Mavs players frequently involved in the team’s community outreach initiatives. “Regardless of the games we have going on, regardless of the season, playoffs, and all that, this is one of those nights where we remember what it’s all about.
“The Mavs foundation has been doing such incredible work in the community, setting a standard and showing us as players, as well as a community at large, how to impact and how to affect change.”
The record-setting funds raised will pour directly back into the North Texas community as the Dallas Mavericks and Mavs Foundation continue to showcase what it means to be champions in the community.
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