Lifestyles
Partying with Dallas Stars was odds on favorite
By David Alvey
Apr 3, 2008

Most of North Texas was hunkered down on March 6 awaiting an icy blast. But the Dallas Stars and their fans did not let a wintry mix keep them from coming together for the 10th Annual Park Place Dealerships - Dallas Stars Casino Night.

Ice Girls welcome fans

More than 350 fans braved the cold to reach the warm environs of Park Place Motorcars Dallas, where the showrooms and client lounge had been transformed into an upscale casino with Dallas Stars players and coaches acting as dealers. By the end of the evening the event had raised more than $170,000 for the Dallas Stars Foundation, which supports local children’s charities.

Hannah Montana

“Park Place Dealerships supports many charitable organizations,” said Robert Morris, general manager of Park Place Motorcars Dallas, “but this is one of our favorite events. Our clients loved how relaxed and approachable the Stars players were. They really made it fun for everyone. We got to help raise money for the Dallas Stars Foundation, which in turn helps area kids. It was a win for everyone involved.”

Triplets

Fans had the opportunity to mix and mingle with Stars top management, including Co-General Manager Brett Hull and Stars president Jeff Cogen, as well as fan favorites Modano, Ribiero, Morrow, Zubov, Turco and others, plus newly acquired center Brad Richards.

Thrilla in Manila

In addition to the casino action, one showroom was filled with incredible sports and entertainment memorabilia for a silent auction, including autographed Stars jerseys, a Team USA Modano jersey and a Gordie Howe Red Wings jersey.

There were also signed sticks by Turco, Lehtinen, Ribeiro, Daley, Barnes and Ott, signed pucks from every player on the Stars roster, and a ‘Canadian road trip experience’ that included round-trip airfare to Vancouver, two nights’ hotel accommodations and tickets to an upcoming Stars-Canucks game.

Ralph Strangis plays Texas Hold ‘Em

Other collectables included a “Thrilla in Manila” 1975 Sports Illustrated cover signed by Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, autographed items by Peyton Manning, Roy Williams, Brett Favre and Tony Romo, and an electric guitar signed by each of the Eagles, an acoustic guitar signed by Toby Keith, and even a framed guitar and memorabilia signed by Disney star Hannah Montana.

Singer Willa Ford Modano & Mike Modano

Stars’ play-by-play man Ralph Strangis and Daryl “Razor” Reaugh ramped up the excitement for the live auction. The most coveted item of the night was a trip with the Stars on the new team plane to Phoenix, including accommodations and tickets to the Stars-Coyotes game April 3, which fetched the highest bid of the evening at $12,000.

Dallas Stars Co-General Manager Brett Hull deals blackjack

“We were extremely pleased with this year’s Casino Night,” stated Carla Rosenberg, executive director of the Dallas Stars Foundation. “Despite the inclement weather, our team and fans turned out in usual Dallas Stars fashion to support us and help us achieve our mission of raising money to aid various children’s charities and programs in the community.”

Stars goalie Marty Turco, Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman and Park Place Motorcars Dallas service manager Tony Carimi

Founded in 1987, Park Place Dealerships represents luxury brands in Texas and California including smart, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Lexus, Volvo, Maserati, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. More information is available at www.parkplacetexas.com.

Daryl “Razor” Reaugh spins the roulette wheel

Dallas Stars captain Brenden Morrow, Jeff Cogen, Dallas Stars president; Carla Rosenberg, Dallas Stars Foundation executive director; Robert Morris, Park Place Motorcars Dallas general manager; and Dallas Stars center Mike Ribeiro

Ellen & Don Winspear with Linda & David Rogers

Brett Hull with Amber & Stephen James

Brenden Morrow signs an autograph for Doris Seabolt of Mesquite

Veronica & Hugh McFadden with Stars goalie Marty Turco

Stars fans Toni David and daughter Ashlee David came all the way from Memphis, TN

Aimee Peterson and Andrea Sinacola

Mary Robidas, Tamara Ribeiro, Shay Sampson, Stacy Putnam, Laura Sullivan and Benet Martin

Brenden Morrow deals blackjack

Krystal Cook with Mike Modano

Jaana & Jere Lehtinen

Schlegel Sports president Kirby Schlegel with Kim & Brian Clark

Stars head coach Dave Tippett; Thomas Hicks, Jr. Vice President, Hicks Sports Group; and Stars center Brad Richards

Stars center Steve Ott; play-by-play man Ralph Strangis; Hick Sports Group vice president Thomas Hicks, Jr.; Schlegel Sports president Kirby Schlegel; defenseman Trevor Daley; and center Brad Richards