The National Basketball Wives 21st Annual Touching A Life Gala Benefiting The American Cancer Society A Huge Success In New York City

    NEW YORK, NY, February 25, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The National Basketball Wives Association held its 21st annual Touching a Life Gala on Friday Night, February 13, 2015 during NBA All Star Weekend in New York. The gala, which was filled with high glamour and warm spirits, raised funds for The American Cancer Society. Featuring a silent auction, an exquisite fashion show and entertainment by R&B artist Raheem Devaughn, The Touching a Life Gala proved once again why it is one of the must-attend events of NBA All Star Weekend.

The fashion show was produced by celebrity stylist and lifestyle expert Colin Megaro and featured participants Aveda, JS Collections, designer Henry Picado, jewelry designer Marie-Lise LaChapaelle, Supima Dress Collection, Willis and Walker, Scrapes and Gravel, Loaded Dock, Her Game 2, Born Blended, Elite Skinz, Vaugh Jereaux, dDitto, Deena Abdul Handbags and Closing Gown Collection.

Held at the Marriott Marquis in Midtown Manhattan, the Touching a Life gala attracted philanthropic-minded sports, television and fashion personalities who wanted to spend part of their All Star Weekend supporting a good cause. Some of the personalities in attendance included television hosts Sharon Carpenter and Shannon Lanier; Brittany Hampton, winner of "DVF's House of Style" television competition; MLB great Prince Fielder; light heavyweight boxer Rock Blackwell; NFL players Antonio Cromartie and Marcedes Lewis and former and current NBA players including Carlos Boozer, Marcus Camby, Dekembe Mutombo and more. The gala was hosted by Roland Martin and New York radio personality Deja Vu.

Also in attendance were the 2015 Touching a Life honorees: Peggy and KiKi VanDeWeghe (Trailblazer Award), Amber and CC Sabathia (Game Changer Award), and Jackque Markes (Heart of Courage Award). Jackque Markes' son, Kyle, was an avid NBA fan who dreamed of meeting one of the players. Before his wish could be granted, he passed away after battling leukemia and, in his memory, Behind the Bench is honoring his mom - Jackque.

Another layer of unique purpose and perspective was added to the event by the story of fashion show producer Megaro. Mr. Megaro is a Cancer survivor who also lost his father to Cancer. Sadly, just a week ago, Megaro lost his mother to the disease. Lending his talents to the event was his way of standing up to Cancer.

"This gala is a cornerstone to Behind the Bench's philosophy of service and support to others," says Behind the Bench president Kristina Ratliff. "It is an opportunity for the NBA community - players, supporters, fans - to say 'thank you' to those who use their profile and influence to make the world a better place, and to put a spotlight on people like Jackque Markes who are everyday heroes in their homes and communities. I am so proud that the Gala, through its philanthropic focus, allows us to leave a tangible impression on the various cities where NBA All Star takes place."

Founded in 1993, Behind the Bench, The National Basketball Wives Association, is a member-based organization comprised of a diverse group of dynamic women whose membership is composed of current and retired NBA players' wives and life partners. Its mission is to positively impact the lives of children and families by focusing on causes in three core areas: Education, Health & Wellness, and Women's Empowerment. To date, Behind the Bench has raised more than $2 million for various charities in the United States.

More information can be found at www.BehindTheBench.Org.

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Kymberlee Norsworthy/Worth Ink Public Relations [email protected]
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