Dancing With the Smiths

Pat Smith tears up the dance floor at Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational Gala

Our local celebs know how to party, but no one can hold a candle to philanthropic duo Pat and Emmitt Smith. Preceding the Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational golf tournament at Craig Ranch, the NFL Hall of Famer and his bombshell wife hosted an exciting affair at Omni Dallas themed "Dancing With the Smiths."

 

Kicking off the night was fellow Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who reminded guests about his moves in the end zone. "Has everyone forgotten about what a great dancer Deion Sanders was?" he joked.

 

Sanders captivated the audience, but eyes widened when Dancing with the Stars winners and co-hosts Melissa Rycroft Strickland and Tony Dovolani took the stage. Although Rycroft told us earlier she would not be dancing, she couldn't resist joining Dovolani and performers from Studio 22 in dancing the samba.

 

As for the feast, compliments to chefs André Natera (of Village Marquee Texas Grill & Bar) and Jason Weaver (of Omni Dallas), who collaborated on an elegant meal that included kale and spinach salad, barley risotto, herb-seared chicken and short ribs.

 

But all forks went down the minute Pat Smith walked out, feathered costume and all, for a kick-ass performance. Later in the night, Emmitt joined his wife on the dance floor as Emerald City provided the hot sounds.

 

Among the evening's stars were event chairs Carole and Scott Murray, honorary chairs Jan and Jeff Rich, Ready For Love's Ben Patton; former Bachelor Jake Pavelka, Angela and Alfonso Ribeiro, Mark Cuban, Michael Irvin, LeeAnne Locken, Shy Anderson, Tina and David Craig, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Joe Carter, Jana and Mike Brosin, Diane and Daryl Johnston, and Marty Turco.

 

This star-studded fete raised funds for Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, the nonprofit that helps underprivileged children through financial aid, leadership and educational programs.

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