Basketball superstar Dwyane Wade might have decided to stay in Miami to work following this summer's free-agent frenzy. But he most definitely proved Chicago is where he comes to play -- and raise money for his Wade's World Foundation -- with a whirlwind weekend of appearances and activities.
The hometown hero brought his Hollywood honey, Gabrielle Union, along for the ride as they began the weekend with the third annual Carnival Cruise Line Benefit Dinner at the Trump Hotel and Towers, where he and his sister Tragil Wade -- executive director of the foundation -- welcomed guests to enjoy cocktails, elegant dinner and live entertainment from the Hyde Park Suzuki Music School. Tickets to the exclusive soiree began at $250, and the lucky partygoers got the chance to rub shoulders with two of Chicago's favorite sons in the form of Wade and rapper/actor Common.
Later that evening, Common, Wade and Union made their way over to Enclave nightclub, where a multitude of fans and media eagerly awaited their arrival. Wade changed from his suit to a crisp white T and jeans and fielded questions from reporters, calling Chicago "his home" and expressing how excited and honored he was to still be welcomed with open arms.
Common, who co-hosted the event, took time to chat with partygoers and snap photos with them before going onstage to perform a smattering of his greatest hits, including a short freestyle that drew whoops from the crowd. Wade --who was joined in his VIP area by such high-profile friends as NBA all-star Shawn Marion, Chicago Bears players Israel Idonije and Henry Melton and former Heat teammate Antoine Walker -- sipped bottled water and grooved to the show and later to the beats spun by DJ Rex and DJ Vince Adams.
Also on the agenda for the weekend: a bowling party at 10 Pin Bowling Lounge followed by another club appearance at Crimson Lounge, where "America's Next Top Model"
winner Jaslene Gonzalez played hostess to partygoers who arrived ready to schmooze with their favorite hoops star. The centerpiece of Wade's trip was his "Chicago's Got Talent"
show, a competition judged by Gonzalez, Judge Greg Mathis and R&B star Jeremih featuring local acts vying for their time in the spotlight. One highlight: Lupe Fiasco took to the stage for renditions of several of his best-known tunes, including crowd favorite "Superstar."
Tickets to the Enclave and Crimson Lounge events went for just $20, and bowling lounges could run you up to $2,500 for a group of 10 people. This year's events beat 2009's weekend receipts, and all funds raised will benefit the Wade's World Foundation and its mission to fund education and community programs in underprivileged neighborhoods in the Chicago and Miami areas.
