FRISCO, Tx – There are people who are blessed with a platform, some squander it and others channel it to make a difference in the community. The latter is the case for Pat and Emmitt Smith.
“ The work that Pattie and Emmitt have been doing in Dallas for years is just priceless and the work they do for children; giving them the permission to see bigger things in life, is I think what we all want,” former Arizona Cardinals linebacker coach, Jen Welter remarked. “Anytime we can come out and help with their mission to, I think change every life they touch, is a blessing.”
Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities celebrated ten years of service in providing enrichment opportunities and funds to underprivileged children in the DFW metroplex at the 10th Annual Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational Gala located in the Frisco Omni Hotel at the Star.
Dee Lincoln Prime presented the Friday Night Gala and guests began the evening walking the red carpet, followed by a formal dinner. Legendary Cowboys’ quarterback and Hall of Famer, Roger Staubach and his wife, Marianne, served as Honorary Chairs along with Mahisha and John Dellinger, who served as the 2019 Event Chairs.
Each year, The Roger Staubach Award is given to a sports and or entertainment professional who has positively influenced the lives of today’s youth by living boldly and creating opportunities of hope and growth for children. This year, Roger Staubach personally presented the honor to Dirk and Jessica Nowitzki in recognition of the outstanding work they have done through the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, benefiting children affected by poverty, abuse, and neglect; guiding them to a hopeful future of success.
In honor of the special ten-year celebration, a new award was presented. The Change Maker Award was given to LaDainian Tomlinson and his wife, LaTorhsa, for their efforts to enhance the lives of families through their organization, Team America. The Tomlinson’s main goal is inclusion for all people and all walks of life to stand motivated together, rather than being forced to choose sides.
In addition, long-term contributors and friends who supported Pat and Emmitt since the Charity’s inception were recognized: Dee Lincoln, David and Tina Craig, and Lamonte Thomas, with the All Star Partner Award for their continuous belief in the cause of bettering the lives of young adults to reaching their full potential.
In its 10th year, the Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational Gala has raised more than $8.2 million in support of Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities- that has supported over 150 charities in North Texas, including 10,000 DISD students and families through the annual back to school program.
Throughout the Charity’s ten-year tenure, Pat and Emmitt have seen their dream and goal of positively impacting young underserved children, come to fruition in the lives of enriched young adults who are influencing society in corporate America. They have watched the kids they have mentored grow not only physically from sixth and seventh grade to adulthood, but also mentally, as they have been exposed to opportunities that expanded their vision to all of life’s possibilities.
In watching Pat and Emmitt light up on the red carpet, it did not take long to realize that they have greatly imprinted the lives of multiple children, but that in the process, they have been the ones enriched.
Pat described one of the children who has left a lasting impression on her, “ Jasmine. She was one of our kids from Beat the Odds program and children’s defense fund. Her mother was in prostitution and went to prison. Her father, she did not even know who he was, and we saw this young woman with mentorship just keep rising to the top. Through our mentorship, she worked with the charity and volunteered and we were able to open doors for her. She went to college and now she is working in corporate America doing great things. For me to see Jasmine blossom was huge.”
Emmitt said their goal behind the Charity was to “ hopefully help shape the destiny of children’s lives in a positive way, “ and they have certainly done that. Jasmine is just one of many stories they have of children touched by their Charity who have gone on to pursue their dreams in the world without hesitation. Those children just needed a push, and through the platform God has blessed Pat and Emmitt Smith with, they have used to strengthen the lives of children raised the same way they were. Congratulations to the Smiths for their unwavering heart to reach underprivileged children and the work they have done in the community the past ten years!
