South Florida’s dynamic duo, Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade, announced the kick-off for The Summer Groove 2010 in true celebrity style at The Overtown Youth Center in Miami on Tuesday, July 13, ahead of drawing thousands from all over the country to give, share and groove during South Florida’s largest summer celebration.
Now in it’s 14th year, Seminole Hard Rock Presents The Summer Groove Hosted by Zo & D. Wade will take place throughout South Florida July 14-18, 2010, with the majority of events hosted by title sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The Summer Groove has become one of the largest fundraising events of the year, raising funds for programs supported by both Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade’s World Foundation, who provide services to youth and their families throughout the community.
Event emcee, Jason Jackson, of the Miami Heat organization, introduced the current and former NBA champs as they both, in turn, addressed the audience of media, sponsor representatives and dozens of thunderous kids present from Overtown Youth Center with event updates and details on how Alonzo Mourning Charities and the Wade’s World Foundation will continue to utilize event proceeds to benefit local and national youth enrichment programs. Two children from the center presented both hosts with a piece of artwork each, created especially to commemorate the South Florida icons and their continued partnership.
The highlight of the afternoon came from the children enrolled in summer camp at the Overtown Youth Center, who gathered to unveil a special surprise for D. Wade, as they performed their own theme song developed for “Groove Got Wade,” an initiative spearheaded by the community’s kids to show their appreciation for Wade and what he has contributed to South Florida in three short years as an integral part of The Summer Groove.
“We’re very excited to kick-off this year’s Summer Groove series of events,” said Mourning, who initiated The Groove in 1997. “The Summer Groove is all about the kids. We’re raising funds to continue to help young people further develop their gifts to reach their goals. The Summer Groove has always been made possible through the involvement of our sponsors and we are thrilled to have Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as our Title Sponsor for the second year.”
“It’s all about making a lasting impact in the community through the programs we support,” said Wade, now in his third year as the co-host of The Summer Groove. “I encourage all my fans to get out and join us, especially for the All-Star Game, which I am extremely excited about participating in, alongside my colleagues.’”
The 5-day Summer Groove kicks off July 14th with The Summer Groove Golf Classic hosted at Doral Golf Resort & Spa; Youth Sports Conference July 15th; Youth Basketball Clinic July 16th; Alters Law Firm Summer Groove Comedy Jam hosted by Heineken at Hard Rock Live July 16th; Michael Fux Foundation Summer Groove Youth Empowerment Summit and Publix Charities Summer Groove Benefit Gala, themed “Aqua y Fuego, A Sizzling Summer Night” at Hard Rock Live, takes place July 17th; the Block Party Hosted by Pepsi and Carnival Cruise Lines Summer Groove All-Star Basketball Game at AmericanAirlines Arena take place on July 18th.
To purchase tickets and/or for more information visit www.TheSummerGroove.com or call (305) 476-0095.