One Million Dollars Raised At Cavs' Annual Wine & Gold Gala
Six days ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers held their second annual Wine & Gold Gala at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to connect with the local community. According to the team, the event is held to support programs and nonprofits that invest in the youth of Northeast Ohio and their futures.
The Gala was a huge success, as the organization announced it raised one million dollars for the Cavaliers Community Foundation with the help of sponsors and attendees.
Donovan Mitchell at the Cavaliers second annual Wine & Gold Gala.
Cavs.com
An excerpt of the official press release from Thursday:
More than 500 guests arrived at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on a red carpet, dressed to the nines with masks to fit the masquerade theme. The night kicked off with a performance by The Sugarhill Gang followed by John Michael as the Master of Ceremonies for the night. Cleveland Cavaliers, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Rock Entertainment Group CEO Nic Barlage, Cavs Vice President of Basketball and Business Operations Grant Gilbert and Cavs President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman gave remarks throughout the night explaining the importance of giving back to the youth of Northeast Ohio and the intentionality of the Cavs being a part of the community.
"Giving back to the community is not just something we do, but it is who we are,” said Pam Frasco, Executive Director of Cavaliers Community Foundation and Cavs Vice President of Social Impact. “With the help of other community advocates and leaders, we were able to reach our ambitious goal of raising $1 million. All of these proceeds are going back to youth in the community because we believe they are the changemakers of the future.”
After opening remarks, both a silent and live auction took place where guests had a chance to bid on prizes such as a trip to Las Vegas, multiple signed Cavs jerseys, a trip to the Cavs vs. Brooklyn Nets game in Paris and more. Guests then added to the generosity by raising their paddles to contribute personal donations.
Following the auctions, Cavs players, Community Champions (representatives of the Cavs Community Foundation grantees) and Big Shots (individuals with an important presence in the Northeast Ohio community) shared the stage as their stories described how the money raised from the gala makes a direct impact. The night ended with the “unmasked” after-party where guests played casino games with our players, staff and other guests.
Via the Cavs Care account on X, here is an overview of the event:
