The Harlem Globetrotters celebrated their 75th anniversary with a star-studded gala Friday night at the Fairmont Hotel. NBC “Today” show weatherman Al Roker was the master of ceremonies at the black-tie tribute to the world-renowned basketball team, which was founded in 1926 by Chicagoan Abe Saperstein.
More than 400 people attended, including Globetrotter veterans Tex Harrison, Johnny Kline and Bernie Price. Legendary players Marques Haynes, best known for his ability to dribble a basketball while on his knees, and Meadowlark Lemon, the Globetrotters beloved clown prince, received the Legends Award.
The evening included a basketball demonstration staged by the current Harlem Globetrotters team and a ceremony during which Pope John Paul II and the Rev. Jesse Jackson were made honorary team members. Jackson made a personal appearance at the gala to receive the tribute while the Pope was honored during a pre-taped ceremony that took place at the Vatican last November.
The evening’s celebration included a silent auction, dinner and dancing to the soulful vocals of Jeffrey Osbourne..
The event was presented by Reebok International and supported by Denny’s restaurants. Dinner co-chairs included Jerry Colangelo, chairman and CEO of the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks, Paul Fireman, chairman and CEO of Reebok, Stedman Graham, founder and executive director of Athletes Against Drugs, Mannie Jackson, chairman and owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, William Wirtz, president of United Center and Gov. George Ryan. The proceeds of more than $900,000 will go to the Harlem Globetrotters’ Foundation, which funds charities including the American Red Cross and the United Negro College Fund.
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