Some $1.8 million was raised for the Mavs Foundation last Friday during its popular ninth annual Mavs Ball, presented by Shift key.
A glitzy affair held at the Hilton Anatole, funds raised will help meet the needs of children, women and families across North Texas.
All of the Mavs players were on hand for the festivities, along with coach Jason Kidd, general manager Nico Harrison, minority owner Mark Cuban, CEO Cynt Marshall and some former Mavs legends.
“I think it’s great to see the guys in a different uniform — to be able to see them in their costumes and in their gifts,” Kidd said. “But I think when you think about what the Mavs have done in the community – just to be able to raise money and to be able to give back – I think when you talk about the Mavs, they are first class.
“Being able to have the sponsors (Friday), being able to mingle with the players (it’s great). When you talk about just not (Kyrie Irving) and Luka 
(Dončić), but they see everyone. So it’s a great time to bring families together.
Emerald City Band provided the live music for the fundraiser, while The Mentalist Oz Pearlman entertained VIPs, Mavs fans and others in attendance with various mind-boggling tricks, including surprisingly revealing the number identification of a fan on his bank card. He also shockingly talked about the serial number of a $100 bill belonging to Mavs forward Markieff Morris.
“It’s a great night,” Morris said. “Laugh, enjoy the community and have a good night.”
Pearlman even invited Mavs forward Maxi Kleber on stage and asked him what drink he planned to drink. When Kleber mentioned chocolate milk – probably thinking he would surprise Pearlman – Pearlman opened a can of soda and out came chocolate milk.
Indeed, it was a good time had by all.
“I think the fans show their love to the team, and the team returns it,” Kleber said. “Over the years I’ve been here, they’ve shown how much they care about society and how much they get involved and give back. »
Giving back to the community was the theme of the evening. The Mavs are constantly reaching out and touching many DFW area communities in very positive ways, and Friday night’s extravaganza was the biggest fundraiser of the year for the franchise.
“It’s very important to keep the community in mind,” Mavs rookie forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper said. “You want to raise as much money to help the community and help as many people as possible.
“We don’t just play basketball to play basketball. You play this game to help others.
Irving said “it was a little overwhelming at first” last year when he attended his first Mavs Ball because he wasn’t used to it.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Irving said. “But I’m happy to be here for my second year with my wife accompanying me.
“Last year, I was with my daughter (Azurie). So that’s what it’s all about: bringing the family together and having a good time, and then meeting good people and having good conversations over dinner.
Center Dwight Powell is the only Mavs player to attend all nine Mavs Balls. So, he speaks from experience when he details the inner workings of this event.
“It’s about raising awareness and celebrating the work that’s already been done,” Powell said. “The Mavs Foundation represents a large part of the community, 
and we understand how important community is to us.
“So any chance that we can give back to this foundation and support the causes that it supports is truly rewarding.” »
Powell noted that Mavs Ball has improved exponentially each year.
“What’s exciting is seeing many of the same faces from the community come out and support, as well as some of the great season ticket holders that I’ve known since my freshman year,” he said. “Seeing them year after year, the enthusiasm only grows within them, not only with what we have done as a team, but also with the work with the Mavs Foundation here in the community.”
Mavs forward Derrick Jones Jr. said what the Mavs Foundation accomplished with the Mavs Ball hitting very close to home.
“It’s always great to be able to give back to the community, just to be able to help those less fortunate,” he said. “At one point, I was one of those kids when I was younger, and I would have loved to have had an NBA organization to help me and be there for the young guys.
“But I wasn’t lucky enough to have that. But it’s great to be able to give back to all these kids.
Several items were auctioned off Friday, including learning how to become a coach or general manager for a day, and treating yourself to the ultimate meal.
experience with boss Lex Grant – the team leader of the Mavs. Additionally, Irving and Cuban each scored a $77,000 bid for a five-day trip to Slovenia – where Dončić resides – that includes practices and a game with the entire Slovenian national team.
Dončić returned the favor by matching another bidder’s $33,000 for a personal skills camp with Irving. Additionally, the auctioneer convinced Irving to duplicate the lefty’s stunning, buzzer-beating 21-foot hook shot that he converted and beat the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets 107- 105, March 17.
“Mark and the Mavericks have always been a fixture in the Dallas/Fort Worth communities in terms of what they do with their foundation,” said Josh Howard, who played for the Mavs from 2003 to 2010. “I I’ve looked at them through my foundation, what they’re doing, so I’m trying to give them some pointers.
“But it’s just great to see the Dallas Mavericks continue to do what they’re doing in the community.”
Former Mavs forward Shawn Marion agreed with Howard.
“It doesn’t get any better,” said Marion, who helped the Mavs win the 2011 NBA title. “It’s a great night where we come together to raise money for kids.
“We are all on the same page. We’re just here to have a good time, raise money, have a few drinks, relax and enjoy the evening.
That’s what rookie center Derek Lively II did. He enjoyed the evening and added, “I always hear how involved (the Mavs) are in the community. I always hear good feedback.
Guard Tim Hardaway Jr. summed up the night by saying, “Another year. Another Mavs ball. Another Mavs Foundation event. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I happen to meet great people here for a great cause.
“You come here (and) you have a good time. Everyone is there for a good cause. It’s a blessing.
Powell echoed that sentiment, saying, “I’ve said it many times, our ability to go out and make someone happy or help build something that’s going to last in the community is enormous. I think it’s the best part of my job. This is the greatest blessing.
The prestigious event included a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and a blue carpet for people to walk on. Mavs Ball also brought together Mavs fans, VIPs and partners to celebrate the 2023-24 Scholars and charitable work of the Dallas Mavericks this season.
While taking a bow Friday night, Marshall expressed his excitement for the Mavs Ball and the funds it will generate to help so many in need.
“We’re here to raise money for the Mavs Foundation, and we do an awful lot for the Mavs Foundation,” Marshall said. “Tonight is our biggest fundraiser.”
X: @DwainPrice
