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Keeping Up with Alonzo Mourning

By Zachary Devita Photography by Claudio Beier Alonzo Mourning will always be remembered as the NBA player who put himself on the map for his passion and hard work on the hardwood. During his career, he was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and won an NBA Championship in 2006 with the Miami Heat. When he retired in 2009 at the age of 38, his number, 33, became the only retired number in Heat history. One of the most influential figures during his time in the NBA is former Heat coach and current Team President Pat Riley. “I’m a little biased, but it has to be Pat Riley. While he’s known for his strategic coaching tactics, to his players he was a motivator but not only that, he got the best out of his players. And I think that’s a key to being a great coach, not just drawing up a great play. I think it’s about you getting your players to believe in the plan you’ve set out,” shared Alonzo. Retirement hasn’t stopped Alonzo from being involved with the NBA and the Miami Heat. “I’m the Vice President of Player Programs and Development for the Miami Heat, which consumes a lot of my time.” Beyond being involved with the Miami Heat, Alonzo has been working tirelessly with the Mourning Family Foundation, which he established in 1997. The mission of the charity is to help the development of children and families living in at-risk situations and providing support and services that will enhance their lives. “There’s a hole that needs to be filled as it pertains to all the obstacles that young people are trying to overcome. We just have to accept responsibility and understand that what it really comes down to is helping young people accomplish their goals.” Alonzo has also partnered with the Warren Henry Auto Group to benefit his non-profit organizations. Some of these special events included sponsoring a donation drive to assist in collecting toys, gifts, and donations that were gifted to students of the Toys for Tots program, in which Warren Henry Auto Group has participated in for several years. They also assisted in the Back to School Drive, which involved being a location point that collected school supplies for children in need. Although retirement keeps him busy, Alonzo still misses some nuances and parts of the game. “I miss the comradery more than anything. The playoffs were something that I used to look forward to and I loved to compete at that level. But the long and short of it, I miss the competitiveness and being around my teammates.” For now, Alonzo continues to build his strong relationship with the community around him and push the young players on the Miami Heat for a bright future for not only themselves, but for the team as well. For more information, please visit www.mourningfamilyfoundation.org & www.warrenhenryauto.com

Events, LIFESTYLE

SEVENTH ANNUAL REID & FIORENTINO CALL OF THE GAME DINNER & CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC CELEBRATES SOUTH FLORIDA’S YOUTH

(Photos courtesy of Reid & Fiorentino Events) Two-day charity fundraiser brings together today’s sporting heroes and South Florida’s community leaders to raise money for Lauren Kid’s Foundation and Dade Schools Athletic Foundation Sun Sports HEAT TV broadcasters and two of South Florida’s leading sports media personalities, Eric Reid and Tony Fiorentino celebrated the end of the seventh annual Reid & Fiorentino Call Of The Game Dinner & Celebrity Golf Classic, alongside today’s sports icons and philanthropic heroes of our community, with a triumphant salute to two of the most celebrated local charity organizations and beneficiaries – Lauren’s Kids Foundation and the Dade Schools Athletic Foundation. The two-day fund raising event once again attracted some of the region’s biggest names in sports and entertainment, while honouring the achievements by some of the today’s most acclaimed community leaders. The annual Reid & Fiorentino Celebrity Golf Classic Presented by SHARP Business Systems, kicked-off the events on Thursday, March 7th at Turnberry Isle Miami. More than 50 foursomes took to the two exclusive championship courses for an enjoyable day of competitive golf under clear blue skies and pleasant temperatures. During the post-golf awards reception, Eric Reid and Tony Fiorentino, took to the stage to commemorate the work of Lauren Book, founder of Lauren’s Kids Foundation, before a series of sports merchandise and memorabilia were handed-out during the post-tournament raffle. Competition winners were awarded custom-made Reid & Fiorentino cut-glass trophies, with first place awards going the team made up of James Davis, Derrin Garber, Sid Ali and Brian Turnbell, as winners on the Miller Course, and Mike Mandich, Nick Capo, John Costa, Nicholas Sottile and Kijana Carter, as the winning team from the Soffer Course. Runners-up awards were also presented, along with prizes for the ”Closest-to-the-Hole” on both courses. Former Miami Dolphins quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer, Dan Marino, participated again in this year’s competition and participating celebrity team captains and sports personalities included: Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez (former NY Yankees), Alonzo Mourning (former Miami HEAT), Livan Hernandez (MLB player), Mike Inglis (Miami HEAT Radio), John Crotty (former Miami HEAT), Jason Jackson (Miami HEAT broadcaster), Jose Paneda (Miami HEAT broadcaster), Woody Bennett (former Miami Dolphins), James Brown (former Miami Dolphins), Keith Byars (former Miami Dolphins), Kijana Carter (former NFL player), Jeff Cross (former Miami Dolphins), Oronde Gadsden (former Miami Dolphins), Lorenzo Hampton (former Miami Dolphins), Bobby Harden (former Miami Dolphins), Mark Higgs (former Miami Dolphins), James Pruitt (former Miami Dolphins), Patrick Surtain (Former Miami Dolphins), Austin Spitler (Miami Dolphins), Julian Posey (Miami Dolphins), Fred Banks (former NFL player), Jeff Fuller (Miami Dolphins), Cornelius Bennett (former Buffalo Bills), Steve Whitaker (former NY Yankees), John Harris (Seattle Seahawks), Derrick Rogers (former Miami Dolphins), Troy Drayton (former Miami Dolphins), Eddie Jones (former Miami HEAT), Tommy Hutton (Marlins broadcaster), Footy (radio host), Eddie Hill (former Miami Dolphins), Randall Hill (former Miami Dolphins), Kerry Glenn (former Miami Dolphins), Cliff Floyd (former MLB player), Errict Rhett (former NHL player), John Denney (former Miami Dolphins), Darryl Williams (former Bengals/Hurricanes player), Dave Graf (former Cleveland Browns), Quadtrine Hill (former Texans/Hurricanes player), Joey Cornblit (jai-alai player), Stefanie Kenoyer (LPGA player), Brian Hartline (Miami Dolphins player) Tom Shopay (former Orioles/Yankees) and Darrel Fullington (former Vikings/Canes). The Call Of The Game Dinner Presented by Publix took place on Saturday, March 9th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Renowned local philanthropist and Honey Shine founder, Tracy Mourning, emceed the evening’s entertainment as the Master of Ceremonies, while some of today’s most distinguished individuals were honored for their work towards making a difference “behind the scenes” in our community. With an illustrious attendance of sports personalities, business leaders and notable philanthropists, the event included a silent auction, featuring sporting memorabilia and luxury items that attendees were able to bid on at the start of the evening, as well as a live auction, mediated by FOX Sports broadcaster, Jason Jackson, featuring sporting memorabilia, lavish vacation packages and one-of-a-kind experiences, among other items. The evening included live entertainment with an electrifying performance by SONY Music Latin America recording artist, Pedro Capó. Attending VIP guests of honour included Miami HEAT team president, Pat Riley, congresswoman, Deborah Wasserman Schultz, Miami HEAT head coach, Erik Spoelstra, Vice President of Retail Operations for Publix Supermarkets, Bill Fauerbach, Miami-Dade commissioner, Sally Heyman and Miami HEAT forward, Chris “Birdman” Anderson. The dinner featured a number of prestigious awards presented for excellence and leadership in the community. Legendary Miami Marlins broadcaster, Dave Van Horne, received the Sonny Hirsch Excellence in Sports Broadcasting Award, introduced and presented by Eric Reid. This award honors an outstanding sport broadcaster that has had a great impact in their field, while making notable accomplishments within the community. Past award winners include Joe Rose, Tony Segreto, Hank Goldberg and the late-great Jim Mandich. Former Miami Dolphins linebacker, Twan Russell, was presented by Lauren Book with the Community Service Award for outstanding work throughout South Florida. This award honors exceptional individuals or organizations that have shown a great love and passion for improving our community. Past award winners include Bill Fauerbach, Dwyane Wade, Tracy Wilson Mourning and Dr. Barth Green with daughter Jenna Green. The Jim Mandich Courage and Commitment Award was presented to CNN Correspondent Sara Ganim, following a touching speech by Miami HEAT team president, Pat Riley, who introduced Sara and presented the award. The award-winning broadcast journalist broke the story of the grand jury investigation into Jerry Sandusky, and Ganim gave a heartfelt speech on child sex abuse to the audience despite her brave attendance on crutches. Last year’s inaugural Jim Mandich Courage and Commitment Award was presented to Nick Buoniconti and Marc Buoniconti for their outstanding work with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. Current Miami HEAT assistant coach, Ron Rothstein, was presented by Tony Fiorentino with the Don Shula Sports Legend Award. This award honors an outstanding sports legend that has demonstrated a passion for their sport and brings that same passion off the playing field to their

Events, LIFESTYLE

Celebrity Fundraiser

Photo courtesy of Reid Fiorentino Events THE ANNUAL REID & FIORENTINO CALL OF THE GAME DINNER & CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC HONORS THE BIGGEST NAMES IN SPORT AND CAPTAINS OF THE SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY Two-day fundraiser returns for a seventh year to benefit Lauren Kid’s Foundation and Dade Schools Athletic Foundation Hollywood actress, Gabrielle Union, to emcee 2013 Call Of The Game Dinner, featuring a special guest performance by SONY Music Latin America recording artist, Pedro Capó Miami, FL: February 22nd, 2013 – Sun Sports HEAT TV broadcasters and two of South Florida’s leading sports media personalities, Eric Reid and Tony Fiorentino announce the dates for the seventh annual Reid & Fiorentino Call Of The Game Dinner & Celebrity Golf Classic. Taking place in March, the two-day fund raising event and highlight of social season attracts some of the region’s biggest names in sports and entertainment, while honoring the achievements by some of the today’s most acclaimed community heroes. The fund-raiser will benefit two of the most celebrated local charity organizations – Lauren’s Kids Foundation and the Dade Schools Athletic Foundation. The Celebrity Golf Classic Presented by SHARP Business Systems will take place on Thursday, March 7th at the prestigious Turnberry Isle Miami, starting at 11:30 a.m. More than 50 foursomes will converge on the championship courses for an exhilarating day of competitive golf, whereby each team will be paired with a celebrity team captain vying to win a series of prizes awarded at the end of the day during the post-golf awards reception. In addition to lunch and on-course refreshments, players will be invited to participate in the “Beat The Broadcaster” Hole-In-One Challenge, for a chance to win a car sponsored by AutoNation. Previous Golf Classic celebrity participants include: Cornelius Bennet (Colts/Bills/Falcons), Woody Bennett (former NFL/Dolphins), Benny Blades (Detroit Lions/UM), Kim Bokamper (former NFL/Dolphins), Glen Rice (NBA All-Star), Ki Jana Carter (Cincinnati Bengals), John Congemi (ESPN college football analyst), Jeff Cross (former NFL/Dolphins), John Crotty (Miami HEAT), Troy Drayton (former NFL/Dolphins), AJ Duhe (former NFL/Dolphins), Mark Duper (former NFL/Dolphins), Darrell Fullington (Minnesota Vikings/UM), Reggie Givens (former NFL/San Francisco 49ers), David Graf (Cleveland Browns), Nicole Hage (LPGA player), Bobby Harden (Dolphins/UM), John Harris (Seattle Seahawks), Tommy Hutton (Florida Marlins), Mike Inglis (Miami HEAT), Jason Jackson (Miami HEAT), Tim Hardaway (former NBA player), Dan Carpenter (Miami Dolphins), Keith Askins (Miami HEAT), Keith Sims (Dolphins/Redskins), Joey Cornblit (Jai-alai player), Keith Byers (Dolphins/Eagles), Bill Lindsey (Florida Panthers), Larry Little (Hall of Famer), Darrell Malone (former NFL/Dolphins), OJ McDuffe (former NFL/Dolphins), Craig Minervini (Florida Panthers), Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, Pro Football Hall of Famers Bob Griese and Larry Little, Coach Don Shula, Nat Moore (Miami Dolphins), Alonzo Mourning (Miami HEAT), Jose Paneda (Miami HEAT), Dwight Stephenson (Hall of Famer), Troy Stradford (former NFL/Dolphins), Steve Whitaker (New York Yankees/Giants), Gino Torretta (Heisman Trophy winner), Footy (radio personality), Chad Henne (Miami Dolphins), PGA golfer Woody Austin, LPGA golfer Patti Rizzo, and many more. The Call Of The Game Dinner Presented by Publix will take place on Saturday, March 9th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Internationally acclaimed Hollywood actress, Gabrielle Union, will emcee the evening’s entertainment as the Master of Ceremonies, while some of today’s most distinguished individuals are honored for their work towards making a difference “behind the scenes” in our community. Miami HEAT team president, Pat Riley, is also expected to take to the stage for a special presentation and the night’s entertainment will include a special guest performance by SONY Music Latin America recording artist, Pedro Capó. With an illustrious attendance of sports personalities, business leaders and notable philanthropists, the dinner will include a silent auction as well as a live auction featuring sporting memorabilia, luxury vacation packages and one-of-a-kind experiences, among other items, that attendees will have a chance to bid on throughout the evening. This year’s online auction will go live starting on February 20th through the website www.reidandfiorentinoevents.com. Donations to the live or silent auctions can be made through completion of the 2013 Auction Donation Form also found on the website. The evening will feature a number of prestigious awards being presented for excellence and leadership in the community. The current Miami HEAT assistant coach, Ron Rothstein, will be presented with the Don Shula Sports Legend Award. This award honors an outstanding sports legend that has demonstrated a passion for their sport and brings that same passion off the playing field to their community. Past award winners include Bob Griese, Dr. Jack Ramsay, Coach Don Shula and Alonzo Mourning. Legendary Miami Marlins broadcaster, Dave Van Horne, will receive the Sonny Hirsch Excellence in Sports Broadcasting Award. This award honors an outstanding sport broadcaster that has had a great impact in their field, while making notable accomplishments within the community. Past award winners include Joe Rose, Tony Segreto, Hank Goldberg and the late-great Jim Mandich. Former Miami Dolphins linebacker, Twan Russell, will be presented with the Community Service Award for outstanding work throughout South Florida. This award honors exceptional individuals or organizations that have shown a great love and passion for improving our community. Past award winners include Bill Fauerbach, Dwyane Wade, Tracy Wilson Mourning and Dr. Barth Green with daughter Jenna Green. The 2013 Call Of The Game Dinner will present its unique award for the second year to commemorate the legendary broadcaster, Jim Mandich. The Jim Mandich Courage and Commitment Award will be presented to CNN Correspondent Sara Ganim. The award-winning broadcast journalist broke the story of the grand jury investigation into Jerry Sandusky, the former defensive coordinator for the Penn State University football program. Her reporting of Sandusky’s child sex abuse scandal that enveloped the school, head coach Joe Paterno and Sandusky’s Second Mile Charity, resulted in a Pulitzer Prize being awarded to Ganim in 2012. Last year’s inaugural Jim Mandich Courage and Commitment Award was presented to Nick Buoniconti and Marc Buoniconti for their outstanding work with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti Fund

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