Proceeds to benefit educational and sports opportunities for under-resourced youth
DALLAS, TX (September 12, 2023) Nancy Lieberman Charities will host the 12th annual Dream Ball Gala at The Factory in Deep Ellum on Saturday, September 16 in Dallas. The red carpet opens for guests at 6 p.m., immediately followed by the program at 7 p.m. The gala includes silent and live auctions featuring unique sports memorabilia and exciting dining, travel and sports experiences. Proceeds from the event will help ensure under-resourced youth have access to educational and sports opportunities.
The charity will recognize Basketball Hall of Famer and legendary sports analyst Dick Vitale as the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Basketball Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood will present Vitale the award.
“Having the pleasure of honoring my friend, the legendary Hall of Famer Dick Vitale, gives me chills,” said Lieberman. “Dick and ESPN created the college basketball experience the way we now know it. I’m so excited to be joined by him and his extraordinary wife Lorraine to share his enormous love for people and philanthropy. He's the type of person who can make others better by just being around him. No one deserves the Lifetime Achievement Award more than Dick.”
“I am so incredibly honored to receive this special Lifetime Achievement Award,” Vitale said. “It’s particularly meaningful given how the Dream Ball Gala is so focused on helping young people in need, which is such an important passion of mine.”
Multiplatinum recording artist NLE Choppa will be presented with the Inspirational Award by Basketball Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving.
“The impossible is possible when God’s doing the doing,” said NLE Choppa. “I’m honored to be the recipient of the Inspirational Award and be a part of what my friend, Nancy Lieberman is doing for children.”
“I love NLE Choppa’s heart,” said Lieberman. “He is dedicated to changing the lives of young people through his educational reading programs and has challenged Memphis youth to read over 41 million words. His family is like family to me and my son, TJ. He is a shining star in music, entertainment and movies with a clear vision and discipline for success. NLE Choppa is an inspiration to me and so many more.”
Past honorees include decorated tennis athlete and 9-time Wimbledon Champion, Martina Navratilova, Actor and Music Legend Ice Cube, Basketball Hall of Famer, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Five-time Grammy winner Wynonna Judd, Legendary Hall of Fame Singer, The Soul Man Sam Moore, Comedian and Actor Billy Crystal, The G.O.A.T., Muhammad and Lonnie Ali, Former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback and NFL Analyst on CBS Tony Romo and Singer/Songwriter Toby Keith.
Event sponsors include Fiserv as the title sponsor with Covenant Church as the presenting sponsor and PepsiCo as the entertainment sponsor.
Other sponsors include: American Airlines, The Adleta Corporation, Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital, Big D Party Rentals, ChonReznick, Couture Dentistry, Black Steel, Prosper Wine House, PGA of America, Premier Autos of Dallas, Weil Gotshal & Manges Law Office. Bally Sports Southwest and The Dallas Morning News (Medium Giant) are the Dream Ball Gala’s media sponsors.
Celebrities confirmed to attend include:
· Nancy Lieberman, 2X Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, BIG3 Champion & Coach of the Year
· Michelle Carter, Olympic Gold Medalist in shot put
· NLE Choppa, World-famous multi-platinum hip-hop artist & contributor to the Fast and Furious franchise
· Justin Dentmon, Former Dallas Mavericks and Texas Legends point guard, BIG3 Tri-State
· Julius Erving, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, 3X NBA/ABA Champion with the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Nets, 4X MVP, NBA Legend
· Burton Gilliam, Actor in Blazing Saddles and Fletch
· Del Harris, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Former NBA Coach for the Rockets and Lakers and current Texas Legends vice president
· Jay Harris, Award-Winning ESPN SportsCenter Anchor & multiple-time Dream Ball emcee
· Tommie Harris, 3X Pro Bowler, former NFL Defensive Tackle
· Spencer Haywood, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, 1980 NBA Champion with the LA Lakers, 1970 ABA MVP
· Stephen Howard, Former forward with the Utah Jazz, network basketball commentator
· Shawn Marion, NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks, 4X NBA All-Star
· Cuttino Mobley, NBA All-Rookie second team, 2018 BIG3 Champion & Team Power Captain
· Lee Nailon, Former NBA forward, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76er
· Ray Nixon, Former Wisconsin star and BIG3 forward for Tri-State
· Charles Oakley, NBA All-Star power forward, 1994 All-Defensive First Team, BIG3 Coach Killer 3’s
· Glen Rice Jr, Former NBA shooting guard, 2022 BIG3 Rookie of the Year Team Power, 2023 BIG3 All-Star
· Ralph Sampson, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, 4X NBA All-Star & 1984 Rookie of the Year
· Juliene Simpson, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Co-Captain 1976 Olympic, Silver Medalist
· Don Stanhouse, MLB All-Star and former pitcher for the Texas Rangers
· DaJuan Summers, Former NBA small forward & current player for the Ball Hogs in the BIG3
· Nick Van Exel, NBA All-Star guard for the Dallas Mavericks
· Dick Vitale, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, ESPN college basketball broadcasting legend
· Spud Webb, Former NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, former Atlanta Hawk, Texas Legends President of Basketball Operations
· Royce White, Former NBA forward with Houston Rockets & current BIG3 player for Team Power, 2023 BIG3 All-Star
The Dream Ball Gala is a sold-out event but patrons unavailable to attend can support the event by bidding remotely on silent auction items at NancyLiebermanCharities.org. Media are also invited to attend the Nancy Lieberman Charities Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, September 18 at the Lakes at Castle Hills.
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About Nancy Lieberman Charities
Nancy Lieberman Charities is a 501(c)3 organization focused on improving outcomes for underserved youth in the areas of education, health & wellness, and career/life preparedness. We endeavor to craft transformative initiatives that not only accomplish their objectives but also nurture an ethos of inclusivity encompassing racial and gender equality, social justice, and civic involvement. Our array of programs, including Dream CourtsTM, scholarships for education, basketball camps, partnerships with HBCUs, lectures on racial and social justice, mentorship programs, and STEM/technology initiatives, collectively contribute to the well-being, self-esteem, and career achievements of the young girls and boys we are privileged to serve. Find out more at nancyliebermancharities.org.
Media Contact
Cymonne New // Octagon, Communications
816-520-3412