Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational 2018 Kickoff

Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational 2018 Kickoff
Flip through the gallery for images from this event. Photos c/o Marcy Meeks


Emmitt Smith kicked off the 2018 Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational on Tuesday, January 23 at the offices of Winstead PC in Downtown Dallas, hosted by Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities (PESC) board member, Mr. Robert McCormick. Smith announced this year’s Event Chairs, Janiece Evans-Page, VP President, Global Philanthropy and Sustainability at Fossil Group and Mark Page, President of Operations for AT&T's Chief Data Office. On Friday, May 4th, the weekend will kick off with a celebrity red carpet entry, VIP reception, dinner, and live auction at the Omni Frisco Hotel sponsored by Albertsons/TomThumb. The Invitational continues on Saturday, May 5th, with an 18-hole charity golf tournament at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney. Guests had the opportunity to hear firsthand from Jhalen Spicer, who shared the life changing experiences he has been afforded through TEAM 22 and the exciting news of one of the first program graduate’s acceptance to Duke University this fall. Dallas ISD Deputy Superintendent, Israel Cordero, followed Jhalen to talk about the exponential growth of the annual Back To School partnership between DISD and PESC, the families it serves, and how this event provides much needed services for poor families in a great time of need, helping families that might have to choose between went paying the rent or purchasing new school supplies for their children. He also thanked PESC for donating over $18K in cash and services to displaced families affected by Hurricane Harvey last year. Lastly, 2017’s Event Chairs Carmeleta and Otis Felton were presented with a plaque of gratitude for their dedication and leadership in 2017. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails made with Herradura Tequila provided by Brown Foreman.

Now in its 8th year, the event has raised more than $5 million in support of Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, PESC, a 501(c)(3) public charity that creates and funds unique educational experiences and enrichment opportunities for underserved children, including PESC’s very own Team 22 program. TEAM 22 provides long-term mentorship, unique enrichment experiences with business leaders, politicians, artists and athletes, a summer enrichment program, college tours and access to a college education through scholarships. Tickets for the Friday Night Party begin at $500 and pavilion passes for the Saturday Golf Tournament are $50 each. For ticket and sponsorship details contact Dana Vilardi at dvilardi@ejsmithenterprises.com.