NFL Hall of Fame Football Player Joe Namath Was Presented Don Shula Sports Legend Award
On Saturday, April 7, 2018, the 12th Annual Reid & Fiorentino Acordis ‘Call Of The Game Dinner’ brought together the region’s biggest names in sports and entertainment for dinner in support of two of the most recognized Florida-based non-profit organizations – Lauren’s Kids and Dade Schools Athletic Foundation. Hosted by longtime Fox Sports Sun HEAT TV broadcasters, Eric Reid and Tony Fiorentino, the Call Of The Game Dinner honored leading sports icons and philanthropic heroes for their achievements both on and off the playing field.
More than 700 guests attended the sold-out affair at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, emceed by two-time EMMY Award-winning television reporter and producer Kristen Hewitt. Following the swanky cocktail reception, guests entered the ballrooms, which had been beautifully transformed with Romero Britto artwork adorning the center of each table.
While Ron and Lauren Book of Lauren’s Kids recognized the crowd for their continued support in their effort to end child sexual abuse, they made a special appeal that was kicked off by Bloomingdale’s generous donation of $5,000, which helped raise an additional $30,000 for the charities.
NFL Hall of Fame football player and actor, Joe Namath was presented with the evening’s most prestigious accolade, the Don Shula Sports Legend Award for his remarkable accomplishments on and off the field. Eric Reid and the legendary Coach Don Shula himself presented Namath the award along with Lauren Book, Ron Book and Tony Fiorentino. Past winners of the Don Shula Sports Legend Award include inaugural honoree, Coach Don Shula, as well as Bob Griese, Pat Riley, Dr. Jack Ramsay, Alonzo Mourning, Ron Rothstein, LeBron James, Dan Marino and Jack Nicklaus.
Local humanitarian and sports anchor Jim Berry received the Sonny Hirsch Excellence in Sports Broadcasting Award. Named after the longtime voice of the Miami Hurricanes, the award honors an outstanding sport broadcaster who has had a great impact in their field, while making notable accomplishments within the community. Berry is a Sports Anchor for CBS4 News Miami and is widely regarded in the Miami community for his profound philanthropic work. Tony Fiorentino presented Berry with the award. Past award winners include Joe Rose, Tony Segreto, Hank Goldberg, the late Jim Mandich, Dave Van Horne, Dick Stockton, Steve Shapiro, Joe Zagacki and Kim Bokamper.
The Ted Arison Community Service Award was presented to Constance Collins for her impact and dedication to humanitarian and civic endeavors as well as her unwavering commitment to bettering the Miami community. Lauren Book and her father, Ron Book presented Collins with the award. Past award winners include Bill Fauerbach and Publix, Dwyane Wade, Tracy Wilson Mourning, Dr. Barth Green with daughter Jenna Green, Matthew Sandusky, Twan Russell, James Jones, Romero Britto and Arthur Hertz.
The dinner featured a silent auction throughout the evening, including electric guitar centerpieces designed and signed by famed artist Romero Britto, a variety of Britto sculptures, Britto design-wrapped footballs signed by Joe Namath and Britto design-wrapped basketballs signed by Alonzo Mourning. All proceeds from the evening benefitted Lauren’s Kids and the Dade Schools Athletic Foundation.
Among the attendees were Alonzo and Tracy Wilson Mourning; Val Ochoa Brennan; current Miami Dolphin player Eric Smith; former Miami Heat player John Crotty; past honoree Ron Rothstein of the Miami Heat, former NFL players Randall Hill; Jeff Dellenbach; Eddie Hill; Quadtrine Hill; Don Silvestri; Cookie Brinkman; Commissioner Sally Heyman, State Representative Jared Moskowitz, State Senator Gary Farmer, State Senator Oscar Braynon and State Senator Debbie Mayfield, and more.
Platinum Partners include: Ronald L. Book P.A., Doctors Hospital and TNT Fireworks. All-Star partners include: American Airlines, Bloomingdale’s, Darran Blake (UBS), Metro Signs, Memorial Health Systems, The GEO Group, Dade Media, National Jets, Petland Florida, the Miami Dolphins Foundation, Carnival & the Miami Heat Charitable Fund and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino of Hollywood, Florida.
