Rob Giardinelli
The Star-Studded Evening Benefited The Mavs Foundation
By Rob Giardinelli Photography courtesy of Dallas Mavericks Photography
THE SCENE: SILO in Dallas was the setting for a star-studded night that coincided with the 10th anniversary of one of North Texas’ most successful fundraising events. Over 700 athletes, community leaders, sports fanatics, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists descended upon the venue in the Design District for the 10th Annual Mavs Ball. Benefiting The Mavs Foundation, the night was a spectacular affair full of touching and show-stopping moments that left the crowd wanting more.
THE VIBE: The cocktail-attire crowd took full advantage of the Dallas Mavericks logo colors with many donning their favorite blue suits, cocktail dresses, and ball gowns while others took the opportunity to wear other colors on the Mavericks logo, including white, gray, and black. The result was a warm, friendly environment where everyone felt welcome.
The night began on the “Blue Carpet,” where each Dallas Mavericks 2024-2025 player, Mavericks alumni, and VIPs strutted their stuff on the carpet for a photo to commemorate the evening. Guests then headed inside to a tent erected on SILO grounds for cocktail hour.
Once inside the tent, guests cozied up to the bar to grab their favorite spirit of choice. With beverage in hand, revelers mingled while others took the opportunity to peruse an impressive lot of silent auction items, with an ultimate dining experience with Chef Lex Grant emerging as the most popular. Guests could also be seen at the “Sneaker Pull,” where they could purchase a mystery pair of autographed shoes that various Mavericks players wore during previous games.
The crowd then headed inside SILO for the dinner and main program. Inside the tent, the Mavericks Blue could be elegantly seen throughout with tablecloths and floral arrangements bearing the team’s colors, which were complemented with pops of white, creating a chic, sophisticated space. Emcees Dana Larson and Mark Followill kept the festivities flowing at a fun, brisk pace with their banter and humor, keeping the crowd engaged and entertained.
While everyone enjoyed a delectable, multicourse meal, they were treated to words from event leaders, players, and team executives. Additionally, seven Mavs Foundation grant recipients were highlighted for their work, which has left a positive mark on the North Texas area. Legend Mavericks player Shawn Marion returned for the night and delivered a 10th-anniversary toast in honor of the many organizations The Mavs Foundation has supported over the years.
Next came a spirited live auction helmed by Dean McCurry of DM Auction Services, where the paddles went up as players, patrons, and donors bid on an array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including a trip to Global Games 2025, a Train like the Pros package, and a Legos with Derreck Lively Experience. The auction was capped off with a heads or tails auction where the lucky winner received an ultimate experience: a chance to go head to head on the court with Kyrie Irving during a VIP experience at a Mavs Game.
The night was capped off with dancing. Patrons, athletes, and donors took to the dance floor as they cut a rug to the tunes of Emerald City Band. This put the exclamation point on a night that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
Heather Bellino
THE NON-PROFIT: The 10th Annual Mavs Ball raised over $2.1 million for The Mavs Foundation. Proceeds raised from the event will provide grants to nonprofits that benefit women, children, and families in need. The 2024-2025 nonprofit grant recipients include Agape Clinic, After-School All-Stars, Child Poverty Action Lab, Children and Family Institute, Equest, First Responders Children’s Foundation, GirlStart, Gladney Center for Adoption, Hope Cottage, HopeKids, It’s A Sensory World, Jubilee Park and Community Center, Mosaic Family Services, Reading Partners, Viola’s House, Wipe Out Kids Cancer, and Texas Advocacy Project.
