Co-authored by Rashad Miller & SiSi Encarnacion
Dallas Wings fans, players and staff sported their flyest sneakers last Friday night as they gathered to celebrate the Dallas Wings Community Foundation. During its second annual Kicks for a Cause fundraiser on Aug. 28 at the Astoria Event Center, supporters gave over $120,000 in total, with over $20,000 of that being raised within 5 minutes. Kicks for a Cause was created to celebrate and bring awareness to the Dallas Wings Community Foundation and its work supporting North Texas communities.
Since launching in March 2021, the 501(c)(3) organization has worked to address specific community needs through partnerships, programs and resources. The money raised will support the foundation’s mission of empowering youth, advancing equity and strengthening communities throughout North Texas.
Produced by Swan7 and hosted by media personality Lady Jade, the upscale game-night fundraiser featured casino-style games, live entertainment, live and silent auctions and exclusive appearances from Dallas Wings players and special guests. The second annual event built on the experience created during its inaugural year.
Guests traded traditional formal footwear for their freshest sneakers, pairing them with elevated cocktail attire for an evening that blended sophistication, comfort and the cultural relevance of sneakers within basketball. Throughout the night, attendees connected with Wings players and one another through interactive experiences while celebrating the organizations and individuals working to strengthen communities across the region. A VIP meet-and-greet also gave select guests an additional opportunity to spend time with players away from the court and see a different side of their personalities.
Guests used Wings “Funny Money” to participate in casino games, with their winnings converted into entries for raffle prizes at the end of the night. The silent auction included signed memorabilia from North Texas sports teams and other exclusive experiences, giving supporters another way to contribute to the foundation’s mission. The Wine Pull allowed guests to make a $25 donation in exchange for a mystery bottle of premium wine. Another interactive activity, Legends of the Game, gave participants a chance to win signed sports memorabilia.
Wing aficionados were also able to participate in Just as Fly: Wings Battle, a friendly DFW culinary showdown. Local chefs from across the area went head-to-head by creating their own specialty wing flavors and light bites, which were served to guests throughout the evening.
The combination of basketball, sneaker culture, food and entertainment helped distinguish Kicks for a Cause from a traditional formal gala. The event gave supporters a closer look at the foundation’s work beyond basketball while showing how impactful the Wings can be when players, staff, fans and community supporters come together.
Now in its second year, Kicks for a Cause continues to grow as one of the Dallas Wings Community Foundation’s signature fundraising events, helping the organization build partnerships and provide programs and resources for communities throughout North Texas.
