NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade took the time to give back to the youth by hosting Wade’s World Foundation weekend. Although Wade has made headlines this summer for helping to bring LeBron James and Chris Bosh to the Miami Heat, he has also remained a catalyst for helping to bring opportunities to young people in need. Rolling out sports was on hand in Chicago to capture each second of the three-day festivities. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at what transpired.
–amir shaw
Thursday
3:00 p.m.
Wade kicked things off by visiting the Lighthouse Youth Center on the South Side of Chicago. Common showed up at the Lighthouse Youth Center several minutes before Wade arrived with girlfriend Gabrielle Union in tow. After shaking hands, Wade told Common about his trip to the White House and playing basketball with President Barack Obama.
3:30 p.m.
Wade and his sister, Tragil Wade, presented their mother, Jolinda Wade, with a special gift. Jolinda Wade shares her past struggles while living on the South Side of Chicago and encourages each student to take advantage of their opportunities.
4:30 p.m.
After witnessing several excellent performances by the students who attend the Lighthouse, Wade and Common presented the center with a check for $100,000.
11:00 p.m.
The festivities moved to The Enclave where Wade held the official kickoff celebration. NBA players Shawn Marrion, Bobby Simmons, Antoine Walker and Kurt Thomas all showed their support for Wade by attending. Common also performed a medley of his hits well into the early morning.
Friday
10:00 p.m.
Dwyane Wade and the winner of “America’s Next Top Model,” Jaslene Gonzalez, hosted a party at the ultra exclusive Crimson Lounge.
Saturday
8:00 p.m.
Jeremih opened for Dwyane Wade’s Chicago Has Talent event, which was held at the historical Merle Reskin Theater. The Chicago native energized the crowd by singing his new single, “I’m a Star.”
8:15 p.m.
Comedian Lil Rel served as the host as Judge Greg Mathis and Jaslene Gonzalez served as judges. Students from the ages of 11 to 21 participated in the competition, which featured a Michael Jackson cover, hip-hop dancers, an all-male R&B trio, a rock band, ballet dancers, gospel singers, an aspiring actress and a soul singer who plays the guitar.
9:30 p.m.
Chicago native Lupe Fiasco closed the show by rapping his two biggest hits, “Kick, Push,” and the crowd favorite “Superstar.”
9:45 p.m.
Dwyane Wade informs the contestants that each act will compete for a chance to be on NBC’s “America Has Talent.” After announcing first, second, and third place winners, Wade thanked the audience for being a part of his charity weekend and said he plans to expand the festivities in 2011.
