More than 350 fans braved the cold to reach the warm environs of Park Place Motorcars Dallas, where the showrooms and client lounge had been transformed into an upscale casino with Dallas Stars players and coaches acting as dealers. By the end of the evening the event had raised more than $170,000 for the Dallas Stars Foundation, which supports local children’s charities.
“Park Place Dealerships supports many charitable organizations,” said Robert Morris, general manager of Park Place Motorcars Dallas, “but this is one of our favorite events. Our clients loved how relaxed and approachable the Stars players were. They really made it fun for everyone. We got to help raise money for the Dallas Stars Foundation, which in turn helps area kids. It was a win for everyone involved.”
Fans had the opportunity to mix and mingle with Stars top management, including Co-General Manager Brett Hull and Stars president Jeff Cogen, as well as fan favorites Modano, Ribiero, Morrow, Zubov, Turco and others, plus newly acquired center Brad Richards.
In addition to the casino action, one showroom was filled with incredible sports and entertainment memorabilia for a silent auction, including autographed Stars jerseys, a Team USA Modano jersey and a Gordie Howe Red Wings jersey.
There were also signed sticks by Turco, Lehtinen, Ribeiro, Daley, Barnes and Ott, signed pucks from every player on the Stars roster, and a ‘Canadian road trip experience’ that included round-trip airfare to Vancouver, two nights’ hotel accommodations and tickets to an upcoming Stars-Canucks game.
Other collectables included a “Thrilla in Manila” 1975 Sports Illustrated cover signed by Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, autographed items by Peyton Manning, Roy Williams, Brett Favre and Tony Romo, and an electric guitar signed by each of the Eagles, an acoustic guitar signed by Toby Keith, and even a framed guitar and memorabilia signed by Disney star Hannah Montana.
Stars’ play-by-play man Ralph Strangis and Daryl “Razor” Reaugh ramped up the excitement for the live auction. The most coveted item of the night was a trip with the Stars on the new team plane to Phoenix, including accommodations and tickets to the Stars-Coyotes game April 3, which fetched the highest bid of the evening at $12,000.
“We were extremely pleased with this year’s Casino Night,” stated Carla Rosenberg, executive director of the Dallas Stars Foundation. “Despite the inclement weather, our team and fans turned out in usual Dallas Stars fashion to support us and help us achieve our mission of raising money to aid various children’s charities and programs in the community.”
Founded in 1987, Park Place Dealerships represents luxury brands in Texas and California including smart, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Lexus, Volvo, Maserati, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. More information is available at www.parkplacetexas.com.
