GALT Events Greyt Athletes Benefit Dinner and Auction

Greyt Athletes
Benefit Dinner & Auction

April 5, 2004
Lawry's The Prime Rib

Just imagine being offered the chance to EAT in order to help!!! Well, if you've just taken up a spot on the floor next to your Greyhound and rolled over on your back, groaning with delight, you no doubt joined us for GALT's Annual Greyt Athletes Benefit Dinner & Auction on April 5th, 2004. If you're wondering what all the hullabaROO is about, maybe this will entice you to join us next time!

This year's event was at Lawry's The Prime Rib. If the venue alone isn't enough to make you salivate, we dined on entrees of perfectly cooked prime rib and fresh Atlantic salmon. And dessert wasn't the only sweet treat there… all the guests got to meet (and fall in love with) Greyhounds Katie, Wilma, KoKa Mo, and Hailey, who performed tricks ranging from "Play Dead" to "Stand still and smile while I hug you and take your picture." (The latter being performed perfectly by all Greys in attendance!)

During our fabulous event, TXCN "Sports Talk TV" host Brady Tinker guided us gracefully and humorously through the introductions to some very special 2-legged celebrities whose hearts were as big as the smiles on the Greys' faces. Former Dallas Stars Craig Ludwig, Alan May and Bill Huard were in attendance, representing the best in the National Hockey League with over three decades of outstanding play between them. Mike Kiselak played professional football for 11 years, including two years for the Dallas Cowboys. Jody Vasquez is the author of the book, Afternoons with Mr. Hogan, a compilation of anecdotes and insight based on his twenty-year friendship with golfing great, Ben Hogan. And last, but certainly not least, the man recognized as the world's best when it comes to dribbling a basketball and entertaining around the globe, Marques Haynes - one of the crème de la crème from the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters where he performed for 13 seasons.

Throughout the evening these athletes were totally accessible to all those in attendance. They signed autographs, posed for pictures, and traded stories and hugs with everyone. More than just a quick "How do you do," the extra time given by each of these gentlemen left more than one GALT supporter leaving the dinner with a sparkle in their eyes, or with the hint of a smile brought on by the special memory of "that day" when the athlete made an impression on one more fan. Seating was open, and the athletes sat at separate tables in Lawry's dining room, so many were truly "rubbing elbows" with them.

Could there possibly be more?! you might ask. Let us assure you there was indeed!! Through the generous offers from GALT members, grey-friendly businesses, and other special donors, attendees had a wide variety of classic items, from espresso machines and unique package offers, to one-of-a-kind objects de' art and signed hockey sticks to bid on during both silent and live auctions. Several of the athletes in attendance pulled out terrific surprise additions for the audience to bid on as well. GALT supporters left that evening with their arms as full as their hearts. If we'd have tails, we would have been wagging them full speed!!

This successful evening raised over $14,000 to help the deserving dogs in GALT's care. That is what makes all the hard work and energy put into this event so very worthwhile.

One look into the eyes of these greyhounds and you realize they unleash the best in you, and suddenly, you are looking at a reflection of what is good, loving, and playful in your own soul. That, ladies and gentlemen, is why we do it, and why we truly hope you will join us next year. Unleash your soul…