Photo Credit: Ron Turenne/ NBAE
Don’t they look dapper?
The Toronto Raptors held their annual Red Party event last night and I had the pleasure to attend thanks to @fortressman. This has been the flagship event for the Raptors Foundation (now called Team Up Foundation) over the last 15 years and while I have attended in the past, last night was by far the best. The team has always been at the top of the list when it comes to giving back and this party does that while giving love to the fans who support them.
The event held at Muzik Nightclub, was sold-out to the tune of 800 guests who got a chance to mingle with the players and team personnel. The silent auction had something for everyone, including the “infamous” blue linen blazer worn by Reggie Evans while he was sidelined with an injury. To top it off, there was a surprise guest brought in for the event — none other than, Toronto’s very own “Drake”.
The tickets for the event are on the pricey side but with the proceeds going for charity there is always a nice tax write off involved. While most of the attendees were those who usually fill up the lower bowl at the ACC, it was nice to see some fans come out and support. The players were making the rounds and stopped to take pictures with anyone who asked. The club setting doesn’t lend to too many conversations but just getting a chance to share a few words with people involved with the team is always a great experience. By the time I got home I realized my throat was sore from trying to talk over the music all night.
The whole night is like eye candy for a Raptor fan. I got to chat at length with some of the radio and TV personalities and then moved on to cracking some jokes with Jarrett Jack. Never did make it around the whole place and totally missed Jose, Hedo and Rasho in the house. Oh and I missed out on the food too which was apparently to die for. But with me getting all dressed up, the last thing I was about to do was attempt eating kobe beef sliders while standing.
If I had to pick my favorite part of the night it would be the performance by Drake. As the rapper took the stage, everyone gathered around and even the players joined in as fans. I turned to see Reggie Evans mouthing the lyrics to the songs and DeMar DeRozan bobbing his head as he took it all in. While the suits may not have appreciated this as much, it was nice to see the players just let loose for one night.
My two gripes about the event were minor ones. Firstly, the silent auction was set up in a way it was almost impossible to see what you were bidding on. I got a Jamario Moon playoff worn autographed jersey a few years back and was looking forward to nabbing something but the display turned me off. Secondly, the gift bag had Olive Oil (!), a bag of chips and a coupon for a 12 pack of coke. Seriously? I got a pair of glasses last time with the Raptors logo etched on it. This time the best part of the gift was the bag it came in.
Overall, its definitely an experience I think any fan would love. If you can save up for a good cause and try to make it out next year it will give you a lifetime of memories you won’t soon forget.
- Read the Raptors.com recap of the event w/ photos (link)
- Read another recap from @Mrballer who attended as a guest (link)
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