The 24th annual Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards, held Feb. 13, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, raised more than $720,000 for the March of Dimes — a new record for the sports soiree.
Athletes including Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer, Cubs reliever Kerry Wood, Fire defenseman Logan Pause and Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett were honored before a sold-out crowd of more than 1,300 guests.
The evening began with cocktails, as partygoers scrambled to get their photos taken with their athletic idols. Honorees happily obliged as they signed memorabilia and smiled for the cameras.
Other sports stars seen mingling with fans included Blackhawks legend Tony Esposito, former Bulls center and current CSN Chicago analyst Stacey King and White Sox great Minnie Minoso.
Guests enjoyed a quick dinner of grilled filet of beef before plates were cleared and cameras began rolling for the live telecast of the program on Comcast SportsNet. Steve Dahl made an affable emcee, beginning the show with a hilarious video of him and Esposito on the ice, with the retired goalie struggling to teach him the basics of the game—and keep him on his feet.
White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez and Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford also were recognized but were unable to attend.
Ramirez was tending to a family emergency, while Crawford was traveling to Nashville for a game.
Both taped video acceptance speeches and heartily thanked their family, friends and fans for their support.
One very special award was given to 16-year-old Tywaun Crain, a high school sophomore and wheelchair basketball star who was born with cerebral palsy yet still manages to excel in both sports and school.
Crain was awarded the "Inspirational Athlete" prize while his family, including his 8-year-old brother David, looked on with pride.
The get-together attracted not just sports stars and their fans but politicos including City Treasurer Stephanie Neely and business bigwigs including Comcast SportsNet CEO Jim Corno and Navistar CEO Dan Ustain, who also acted as chairman for the event.
Greg Elliott (from left), Don Sharp and executive partner of Accenture Glenn Thomas of Lake Forest. | all photos by Bruce Powell~for Sun Times MEDIABRUCE POWELL POWELL PHOTOGRAPHYDephne Jones (from left) of Highland Park, William Lawrence of Harvey and Dan Ustian.BRUCE POWELL PHOTOGRAPHYRekeshia (from left) and Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards Chicago Bear of the Year Earl Bennett of Vernon Hills and event chairman Bill Barry.BRUCE POWELL POWELL PHOTOGRAPHYJackson Miranda (from left), Chicago Bulls team announcer and former Bulls player Stacey King, former Chicago White Sox left fielder Minnie Minoso and Chicago Bull Carlos Boozer.BRUCE POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Fact Box: BENEFITING: March of DimesDATE: Feb. 13, 2012LOCATION: Sheraton Chicago Hotel & TowersATTENDED: 1,030RAISED: $720,000
