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My Hero Gala release | My Hero Gala gallery

On Saturday night, the third annual “My Hero Gala” was hosted by the Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena in the lower bowl, where the game court is normally located. The event raised both money and awareness for the Bobcats Youth Foundation and the Presbyterian Hospital Community Care Cruiser. The cruiser assists the underprivileged or uninsured youth of the community, having served 3,000 people in two years. Over 500 people attended, all of them in tuxedos/black ties, dresses, and tennis shoes. Players and coaches enjoyed the evening’s festivities. My Hero Gala awards were given to education advocate and school volunteer Carlenia Ivory, healthcare provider Dr. Herbert W. Clegg, and Bobcat Raymond Felton – a mentor to kids, recognizing their positive influence in the community.

Perhaps one of the most entertaining scenes of the evening came during the auction to raise money for the Care Cruiser. Director of Corporate Communications Michael Thompson was the auctioneer, and one of the featured events was the chance to join Gerald Wallace for a pizza and video game party in the players lounge at the arena. It wound up a bidding war between teammates Tyson Chandler and Vladimir Radmanovic, with the latter paying $1,700 to have the honor.

The organization did a masterful job organizing the formal, yet comfortable event, which had a wonderful cause behind it. Mike Solarte, Sports Director of Carolina News 14, was an excellent emcee; it was evident that everyone had an enjoyable evening.

Now it’s close to game time… with our season opener coming on Wednesday night in Boston!