A Night to Remember




By Josh Cohen

Dazzling, entertaining and breathtaking are just a few words to describe the 20th Annual Orlando Magic Black Tie & Tennies Charity Gala benefiting the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. Here are some of the notables from Saturday's event:

• The banquet at the JW Marriott was magnificent. Everyone who contributed to the arrangement and beautification of the event deserves praise and recognition.

• The food was absolutely delicious. Served were scrumptious rolls, a delectable seasoned salad and an entrée of pure enjoyment, a tender steak, shrimp, mashed potatoes and green beans. The grand finale will not be forgotten, either. For dessert, those in attendance enjoyed a scintillating chocolate cake and baked cheesecake. Yummy!

• David Steele opened the event at the podium with such poise and prestige. He was followed by speeches from others, including Magic President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Vander Weide, General Manager Otis Smith and a special video presentation from Chairman Rich DeVos.

• Dwight Howard was named the 2009-2010 winner of the Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award. Way to go Dwight!

• An extraordinarily talented artist painted sketches of Dwight Howard and Vince Carter on two separate palettes. They both were later auctioned off.

• Various memorabilia and collectibles were up for bids. Former NSYNC member and auctioneer Joey Fatone awarded awesome items to the highest bidders. Congratulations to all who went home with winnings!

• Dwight Howard and J.J. Redick may be nominated for Grammy Awards sometime in the near future. D12 rocked out with a guitar and J.J. delivered a dazzling singing performance. I guarantee this will be discussed at Sunday's team practice.

• Anthony Johnson should definitely be a head coach some day. “Dad” helped youngsters learn the proper technique at shooting a free throw. I even stepped up to the challenge and fired up a shot. Unfortunately, my attempt rimmed off.

• It must have been the most awkward, yet in some ways refreshing, feeling to wear sneakers with a suit. It may be the last time I ever get the opportunity to sport such a style. I surely took full advantage of it.

• Dan Savage and I nearly performed “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley during karaoke, but we regretfully backed out last second.

• I am already looking forward to next season’s gala. I think next year Savage and I will design our own special pair of sneakers to wear. We will call them, “Jersey Flights.”

• After witnessing such a festivity, I can only imagine what an NBA championship celebration would be like here in Orlando. I do know one phrase, nonetheless, that would properly describe it: Just ... Wow!