Mavericks host their annual Toast To Tipoff

The scope of what the Mavs Foundation has been able to accomplish since its inception in 1996 isn’t lost on Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.

The Mavs Foundation started the same year Kidd made the first of his 10 NBA All-Star game appearances, and has been going strong ever since. So strong that it has raised over $9 million over the years for non-profit organizations which serve women, children and families in need in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“I think it’s incredible what the Mavs Foundation (has achieved),” Kidd said. “To be able to raise that type of money, to be able to have that type of influence in the community is huge.

“And that’s what the Mavs have done and continue to do at a very high level.”

The Mavs had their Toast To Tipoff event on Monday. The event — presented by Shiftkey — helped raise money for the Mavs Foundation and also gave fans an up close and personal look at the upcoming season.

“Your generous donations to the Mavs Foundation have allowed us to support a variety of organizations,” Mavs chief executive officer Cynt Marshall told the audience at The Echo Lounge. “We’ve been able to provide educational programming for our youth. We have been able to provide rides to safety for those who are experiencing domestic violence.

“Sometimes they just need to be able to escape. Because of you we are able to make that happen. We’re able to provide shelter and food for the homeless and the hungry, and we’re also able to provide job training, women’s healthcare, clothing and basic needs for people who truly, truly just need a lift from all of us.”

Fans were able to bid on such precious items as an autographed Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki jersey, special ticket packages, an autographed team basketball and much, much more. The live auction – presented by Chime – started Monday and runs through Oct. 27 at 10 p.m. and will help those who are in dire need.

Dana Larson and Ivy Awino were the hosts for the event, while Kidd, along with Nico Harrison – the general manager and president of basketball operations for the Mavs – answered a variety of questions on the stage from Mavs play-by-play television voice, Mark Followill.

All of the players also were on hand, and each answered a question from a member of the audience.

Kidd and Harrison discussed the recent 12-day trip to Abu Dhabi and Spain, where the Mavs became the first NBA team to play international preseason games in the same preseason. Kidd even paused to extoll the virtues of new forward Grant Williams and his penchant for being very loquacious.

“If you want to have a conversation with anybody, talk to Grant Williams,” Kidd said. “But make sure you ask three questions at once, because he’s not going to let you say anything after the first question.”

That comment drew laughter from the crowd, then Kidd went on to say: “Grant has been great in practice. And I bring this up because he has pushed everybody’s buttons to be motivated in a good way.

“Some guys got a little upset with some of the things that he has said. But he’s pushing their button to see how they’re going to respond.”

Larson and others with the Mavs just hope the fans respond and continue to take time to get on the live auction and purchase one of the memorable items.

“Remember, the home opener suite raffle is running this week only for $125 a ticket, or the discounted rate of five tickets for 500 bucks with a chance to cheer on the Mavs in a suite with food and beverage and parking for 18 guests,” Larson told the audience. “That’s amazing, and the raffle for that item ends Monday, October 23rd at 8:45.

“So, get in, get those raffle tickets right now. You do not want to miss out on that chance. And remember that 100% of the proceeds — that is every single penny — is going to the Mavs Foundation. You saw all of the amazing work and you know all of the amazing work that they do.”

Marshall describes what the Mavs Foundation does as having an “extraordinary impact in the community” that is undeniable.

“Here at the Dallas Mavericks we believe that every voice matters and everybody belongs,” Marshall said. “We invest in programs to support education, healthy wellness, racial equity and social justice, the environment, the military and first responders. And we don’t just play here.

“We live here and we take care of each other on the court, in our offices and in the community. Our organizational values of character, respect, authenticity, fairness, teamwork and safety drive our decisions on how we do our work every day. We know that it takes all of us to listen, learn and unite around critical needs and support from the place we call home.”

X: @DwainPrice